joint-stock company

[ joint-stok ]

noun

1. an association of individuals in a business enterprise with transferable shares of stock, much like a corporation except that stockholders are liable for the debts of the business.
2. British. an incorporated business with transferable shares and with shareholders having either limited or unlimited liability for debts of the business.

joint-stock company

noun

1. a business enterprise characterized by its separate legal existence and the sharing of ownership between shareholders, whose liability is limited
2. a business enterprise whose owners are issued shares of transferable stock but do not enjoy limited liability

Word History and Origins

Origin of joint-stock company¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

A resolution published on the government portal late on Wednesday said the cabinet had decided to "approve the conclusion of an agreement between the joint-stock company ... Naftogaz of Ukraine and the company Lazard Frères SAS".

From Reuters

It is transforming itself into a joint-stock company, unravelling an arcane structure that had caused strife with shareholders.

From Reuters

Nevertheless, increasing problems with delays and overcrowding on the rail network has drawn negative publicity for the Deutsch Bahn, a private joint-stock company whose sole shareholder is the state.

From The Guardian

Saudi Arabia changed Aramco to a joint-stock company as of Jan. 1.

From Reuters

Yes, Shakespeare belonged to an ensemble joint-stock company of actors; but no, they did not all play Hamlet.

From Washington Post