stakeholder

noun

stake·​hold·​er ˈstāk-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce stakeholder (audio)
1
: a person entrusted with the stakes of bettors
2
: one that has a stake in an enterprise
3
: one who is involved in or affected by a course of action
stakeholding
ˈstāk-ˌhōl-diŋ How to pronounce stakeholder (audio)
noun

Examples of stakeholder 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.
These measures accelerate internal decision approvals, strengthen stakeholder trust and build confidence that an enterprise can automate responsibly. — Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The measure seeks to address concerns raised by Hollywood stakeholders after the Legislature imposed a $5 million annual cap on corporate tax credits in June. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Engineers working in humanitarian contexts learn to navigate ambiguity, engage diverse stakeholders, manage constraints, and design for environments where failure has real human consequences. — Mary Ellen Randall, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Sep. 2026 Public information meetings with local parishes, government agencies and other stakeholders are expected to take place from September through December 2026. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stakeholder

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stakeholder was in 1708

Rhymes for stakeholder

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Browse Nearby Words

stake driver
stakeholder
stake horse
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Cite this Entry

“Stakeholder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stakeholder. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

stakeholder

noun
stake·​hold·​er ˈstāk-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce stakeholder (audio)
1
: a person holding property or owing an obligation that is claimed by two or more adverse claimants and who has no claim to or interest in the property or obligation
2
: a person having an interest or share in a commercial undertaking

More from Merriam-Webster on stakeholder

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stakeholder

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