loss leader
noun
a popular article that is sold at a very low price or at a loss for the purpose of attracting customers to a retail store.
Compare leader(def 4).
Origin of loss leader
First recorded in 1920–25
OTHER WORDS FROM loss leader
loss-lead·ing, adjectiveWords nearby loss leader
losings,
loslyf,
loss,
loss adjuster,
loss function,
loss leader,
loss ratio,
lossless,
lossmaker,
lossmaking,
lossy
British Dictionary definitions for loss leader
loss leader
noun
an article offered below cost in the hope that customers attracted by it will buy other goods