Words / B1

BID-ing/ˈbɪdɪŋ/

Bidding is the offering of prices in an auction or for a contract: competitive bidding; enter the bidding. Bid is the verb/noun for one offer. Tender is a close UK public-contract twin. Do not use bidding for a casual “I hope” (that’s I wish / I’m hoping). At auction, bidding war is a news phrase.

Meaning

The offering of prices in an auction or for a contract.

Examples

• “Several firms entered the bidding for the rail contract.”
• “Four firms entered the bidding for the waste contract.”
• “A bidding war pushed the house price above the asking price.”

Good to know

enter the bidding; competitive bidding. One offer: a bid. Public contracts: tender. News: bidding war.

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