Definition

A person or organization that owns shares in a company, which gives them a claim on part of the company's assets and earnings.

Example

As a shareholder, she received dividends from the company's profits.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new shareholder meeting next week?

Yeah, I'm curious about what they'll discuss this time.

I hope they talk about increasing dividends for us as shareholders.

That would be great! It’s always nice to get some extra returns.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shareholder → It is formed from "share" (from Old English *scearu*, meaning a portion or division) and "holder" (from Old English *holdan*, meaning to keep or possess). A shareholder is someone who possesses a portion of a company or corporation.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'possesses' ('holder') a 'portion' ('share') of a company — that's what a shareholder is.

Visually Confused Words