1 consignment | Definition of consignment

consignment

noun
con·​sign·​ment | \ kən-ˈsīn-mənt How to pronounce consignment (audio) \

Definition of consignment

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the act or process of consigning
2 : something consigned especially in a single shipment
on consignment
: shipped to a dealer who pays only for what is sold and who may return what is unsold goods shipped on consignment

consignment

adjective

Definition of consignment (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or received as goods on consignment a consignment sale

Examples of consignment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Best resource: Online outlets, like Craigslist, offer more avenues to sell furniture today quickly without relying on consignment stores, which are pretty selective. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, "7 insights on downsizing through generations," 27 Aug. 2019 The retailer on Thursday announced a partnership with online consignment store ThredUp Inc. as part of its effort to rebuild the waning brand into a profitable business. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, "J.C. Penney's rebuilding strategy? Sell secondhand clothing," 15 Aug. 2019 Both Erickson and White-Cooper look to kids' consignment stores for clothes, shoes and backpacks. Author: Laura Daily, Anchorage Daily News, "How to save money during back-to-school mania this year," 11 Aug. 2019 However, big, bold clip-ons from the ‘80s and vintage ones from decades earlier can be found for a few dollars at thrift, antique and consignment stores. Ellen Warren, chicagotribune.com, "A better storage solution for those oversize earrings," 7 Aug. 2019 Clothes: Selling gently used, in-style clothing on consignment, both children and adult, can be another way to earn cash from your closet. Melissa Rolland, courant.com, "One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure," 24 July 2019 Ramona the Love Terrier wants to know when someone is going to come up with a vintage consignment dog couture store. Owen Thomas, SFChronicle.com, "Startups secretly love regulation — once they get big," 26 June 2019 To goose sales, both Macy’s and J.C. Penney have inked deals with online consignment outlet thredUP, which reflects the weak demand for the fashions currently on their racks. Los Angeles Times, "Target and Walmart shrug off tariffs and signal consumers are just fine," 21 Aug. 2019 Consigning Women Call it the Macy’s of Cape consignment shopping. Pamela Wright, BostonGlobe.com, "Skip the T-shirt shops, already: Thrift(y) shopping on the Cape," 23 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Just Between Friends consignment sale, Thursday to Sunday. Jennifer Jhon, South Florida Parenting, "What to do with the kids this weekend: Shows, fests and fundraisers," 11 Oct. 2017 Consignment sale: This community shopping event will feature clothing, toys, nursery items, baby equipment, furniture and more. Atlanta Life, ajc, "Faith calendar," 4 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consignment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of consignment

Noun

circa 1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1913, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for consignment

consignment

noun

Financial Definition of consignment

What It Is

Consignment is an agreement between an owner and a third-party consignee whereby the consignee agrees to sell the owners goods in exchange for a fee.

How It Works

Consignment is an arrangement in which an item is placed in the care of another until purchased by a buyer. Until the item is sold, the consignor still claims ownership and is still responsible for anything that may happen to the item while it is in the care of the consignee.

For example, suppose Frank consigns his antique typewriter to Bob, who offers to sell it for him at his store. Frank (the consignor) and Bob (the consignee) have not exchanged any money; no purchase was transacted, and Frank still owns the typewriter. One day a customer purchases the typewriter at Bob’s store. Bob gives the proceeds to Frank, less an agreed-upon consignment fee for Bob's service as the seller.

Why It Matters

Consignment is a trust-based commercial arrangement from which both the consignor and the consignee can benefit.  Consignment shops are the most common example of this type of exchange. With the advent of the internet and e-commerce sites such as eBay.com, consignment has become much more common.

Source: Investing Answers

consignment

noun

English Language Learners Definition of consignment

: a quantity of goods that are sent to a person or place to be sold
: the act or process of sending goods to a person or place to be sold

More from Merriam-Webster on consignment

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with consignment

Spanish Central: Translation of consignment

Nglish: Translation of consignment for Spanish Speakers