Pronunciation: [sˈɛl bˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Sell by is a term used to indicate the last date on which a store can sell a product. The spelling of this term is, in IPA phonetic transcription, sɛl baɪ. The 's' sound is produced by the letter 's', the 'ɛ' sound by the letter 'e', and the 'l' sound by the letter 'l'. The 'b' sound is created by the letter 'b', the 'aɪ' sound by two letters, 'a' and 'i'. Overall, the spelling of sell by is straightforward and easy to understand.
Sell by is a term used in the retail industry, specifically in relation to perishable products and food items. It refers to the date recommended by the manufacturer or retailer for the product to be sold by, emphasizing that it should ideally be purchased by customers before this designated date. The sell by date is typically indicated on the packaging or labeling of perishable items, such as meat, dairy products, or ready-to-eat meals.
The sell by date serves as a guide for retailers to ensure that they sell the product before it reaches a point where quality may deteriorate or safety concerns may arise. It denotes the last day within which the retailer can responsibly offer the product for sale, under the presumption that it will still maintain its freshness, taste, and overall quality until then. After the sell by date has passed, retailers generally remove the product from store shelves, although it does not necessarily mean that the item is no longer safe to consume.
It is important to note that the sell by date is distinct from an expiration date or use by date, which indicates the last day recommended for consuming the product at its best quality. Additionally, sell by should not be confused with a guarantee of safety or freshness after the specified date. Consumers should exercise their judgment and assess the freshness and quality of the food before consuming it, especially if the sell by date has elapsed.
The etymology of the phrase "sell by" is relatively straightforward. It combines two common English words: "sell" and "by".
1. Sell: The word "sell" comes from Old English "sellan" which means "to give, transfer, or deliver for money". It can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "salljanan". Over time, the meaning evolved specifically to refer to the act of exchanging goods or services for money.
2. By: The word "by" comes from Old English "bi", which means "near, at, or on". It can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "bi". "By" is a versatile word used to indicate proximity, time, or purpose.
When combined to form "sell by", the phrase implies the date by which a product should be sold or removed from the shelf.
