1. The exchange of goods or services for an amount of money or its equivalent; the act of selling. 2. A selling of property to the highest bidder; an auction. 3. An offer or arrangement in which goods are sold at a discount: The store has a sale on winter coats. 3. The business or activity of selling goods or services: She works in sales. 4. The number of items sold or the amount of money received for a number of items sold.