Language Research

sell · verb

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sell (FOR MONEY)

A2 T to give something to someone else in return for money

Dictionary examples:

I sold him my car/I sold my car to him for $2000.

We'll be selling the tickets for $50 each.

Learner example:

I want to sell my computer. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

sell (OFFER)

A2 T to offer something for people to buy

Dictionary examples:

Excuse me, do you sell newspapers?

They sell drinks and snacks.

Learner example:

We have some malls which sell clothes and I love shopping there. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Tamil)

sell for/at sth

A2 to be available for sale at a particular price

Dictionary example:

The shirts are selling for $30 each.

Learner example:

I heard larger t-shirts are selling for €35. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

sell (A LOT)

B2 I or T to be bought in large numbers

Dictionary example:

His last book sold eight million copies.

Learner example:

The single with her new song sold more than 15 million copies, now she was a powerfull star. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

sell (IDEA/PLAN)

C2 T to persuade someone that an idea or plan is good

Dictionary example:

I've been trying to sell the idea to my boss.

sell like hotcakes

C2 to be bought quickly and in large numbers

Dictionary example:

Their new game is selling like hotcakes.

Learner example:

They will buy the products, which I'm sure will sell like hotcakes! (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

sell out

B2 If a supply of something sells out, or if it is sold out, there is no more of that thing to buy.

Dictionary example:

The first issue of the magazine sold out within two days.

Learner example:

All the tickets were sold out and the stadium was nearly full. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)