auctions

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of auction.

   Charity auctions raised thousands of dollars for the local hospital.

   The museum acquired most of its rare manuscripts through public auctions.

   Note

   One spelling does two jobs here: auctions is both the plural noun and the present-tense verb, and only the sentence tells them apart. A determiner, number or modifier in front (two auctions, charity auctions, the auctions) marks the noun. The plural also reaches beyond the saleroom. Card players speak of auctions for the bidding that opens a deal and settles the final contract.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of auction.

   The county auctions seized vehicles to recover unpaid fines.

   Every December the foundation auctions donated artwork to fund scholarships.

   Note

   The verb form that pairs with he, she, it or a singular noun: the county auctions, the foundation auctions. Plural subjects and the infinitive take bare auction instead (the counties auction; plans to auction). The verb is transitive, with the thing sold as its object. A subject before it and an object after it are what separate it from the plural noun.

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