DictionaryAI

bid

BID/bɪd/

Pluralbids

Verbbids, bidding, bid

13 meanings of bid

Practice

  1. 1
    price offernouncountable
    An amount of money you offer to pay for something at a sale, or to do a job.

    Like raising your hand to say how much you will pay.

    Her bid for the old painting was the highest in the room.

    The company put in a low bid to build the new school.

    UsageSay put in a bid or make a bid for something.

    Similaroffer, tender, proposal, quote

  2. 2
    attempt to winnouncountable
    An attempt to reach or win something.

    Like a try at winning a prize.

    Her bid for the championship fell short by one point.

    The mayor launched a bid for reelection this spring.

    UsageSay a bid for the title or a bid to win.

    Similarattempt, effort, try, push

  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    To say how much money you will pay for something, or how much you want for doing a job.

    Like calling out a price to show how much you will pay.

    Dozens of buyers bid online during the charity auction.

    They bid against a determined rival for the painting.

    UsageSay bid on a house or bid for a job. The past form is bid.

    Similaroffer, tender

  4. 4
    greetverbtransitive
    To say a greeting or goodbye to someone.

    Like saying hello or goodbye to someone.

    They bid us welcome as we entered the hall.

    Guests bid their hosts goodnight before leaving.

    UsageUsually bid someone farewell or welcome. It sounds formal.

    Similarwish

    Note
  5. 5
    verbintransitive
    To try to reach or win something.

    Like trying hard to get something you want.

    Several cities bid to host the Olympic Games.

    Both teams bid for a place in the final.

    UsageSay bid for a place or bid to win.

    Similarcompete, vie, strive, try

  6. 6
    tell to doverbliterarytransitive
    To tell or order someone to do something.

    Like telling someone exactly what to do.

    The old woman bid us sit down by the fire.

    Children should do as their parents bid them.

    UsageNo to after it: bid them sit down.

    Similarcommand, order, tell, direct

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 4, 6–7, 11

From Old English biddan, meaning "to ask or demand." It goes back to an old Germanic word for "to ask."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

Meanings 1–3, 5, 8–10

From Old English bēodan, meaning "to offer or announce." It comes from an old Germanic word for "to offer."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts