shareholder

noun

share·​hold·​er ˈsher-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce shareholder (audio)
: one that holds or owns a share in property
especially : stockholder
shareholding
ˈsher-ˌhōl-diŋ How to pronounce shareholder (audio)
noun

Examples of shareholder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without limits on inheriting equity, a family business can end up with dozens of shareholders. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 The offering still requires shareholder authorization, final board approval, an effective SEC registration statement and Nasdaq’s approval. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Through May, conservative activists had filed 43 anti-DEI shareholder proposals, dwarfing the number of proposals supporting DEI. — Scott M. Curran, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 The players remain the largest shareholder group after this latest investment round, with the value of the player-equity pool increasing to nearly $200 million, according to the league. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shareholder

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shareholder was in 1755

Rhymes for shareholder

See All Rhymes for shareholder

Browse Nearby Words

shareef
shareholder
shareman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shareholder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shareholder. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shareholder

noun
share·​hold·​er -ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce shareholder (audio)
: one that owns or holds a share in property
especially : stockholder

Legal Definition

shareholder

noun
share·​hold·​er
: one that owns a share in a fund (as a mutual fund) or property
especially : stockholder see also derivative action, equity sense 4c, proxy contest
shareholding adjective or noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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