An English auction is a popular bidding process where participants openly bid against one another. The auctioneer starts with a minimum price, and bidders raise their offers until no one is willing to bid higher. The item is sold to the highest bidder at the end of the auction. This format encourages competition and can drive prices up. These auctions are commonly used for selling items like art, antiques, and real estate. Famous auction houses, such as Sotheby's and Christie's, often host English auctions, attracting collectors and enthusiasts eager to acquire unique pieces.