dividend

[ div-i-dend ]

noun

1. Mathematics. a number that is to be divided by a divisor.
2. Law. a sum out of an insolvent estate paid to creditors.
3. Finance.
   1. a pro-rata share in an amount to be distributed.
   2. a sum of money paid to shareholders of a corporation out of earnings.
4. Insurance. (in participating insurance) a distribution to a policyholder of a portion of the premium not needed by the company to pay claims or to meet expenses.
5. a share of anything divided.

   Synonyms: portion, allotment

6. anything received as a bonus, reward, or in addition to or beyond what is expected:

   Swimming is fun, and gives you the dividend of better health.

dividend

/ ˈdɪvɪˌdɛnd /

noun

1. finance
   1. a distribution from the net profits of a company to its shareholders
   2. a pro-rata portion of this distribution received by a shareholder
2. the share of a cooperative society's surplus allocated at the end of a period to members
3. insurance a sum of money distributed from a company's net profits to the holders of certain policies
4. something extra; bonus
5. a number or quantity to be divided by another number or quantity Compare divisor
6. law the proportion of an insolvent estate payable to the creditors

dividend

/ dĭv′ĭ-dĕnd′ /

1. A number divided by another. In the equation 15 ÷ 3 = 5, 15 is the dividend.

dividend

1. A payment to the stockholders of a corporation from the corporation's earnings.

Other Words From

• super·divi·dend noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dividend¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Latin dīvidendum “thing to be divided,” neuter gerund of dīvidere “to separate”; divide

Word History and Origins

Origin of dividend¹

C15: from Latin dīvidendum what is to be divided; see divide

Example Sentences

In the era of "liberal peace", an agreement to end a civil war was the drafting of a democratic constitution, along with measures for disarming and demobilising rival armies, transitional justice and reconciliation, and aid-funded programmes to deliver a peace dividend for the afflicted populace.

From BBC

It has been estimated that their claims could amount to about £2,100 but they are "unlikely" to receive any dividend.

From BBC

TKO said it will have a share repurchase program of up to $2 billion on its Class A common stock and a $75-million quarterly cash dividend program.

From Los Angeles Times

In order to conserve cash, B. Riley suspended a dividend that paid its founder $27 million last year and renegotiated some debt.

From Los Angeles Times

Albertsons says a controversial $4-billion merger dividend is part of its growth strategy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allowance
• bonus
• coupon
• gain
• premium
• proceeds
• remittance
• reward
• surplus