corporation

[ kawr-puh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an association of individuals, created by law or under authority of law, having a continuous existence independent of the existences of its members, and powers and liabilities distinct from those of its members. municipal corporation, public corporation.
2. Corporation, the group of principal officials of a borough or other municipal division in England.
3. any group of persons united or regarded as united in one body.
4. Informal. a paunch; potbelly.

corporation

/ ˌkɔːpəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. a group of people authorized by law to act as a legal personality and having its own powers, duties, and liabilities
2. Also calledmunicipal corporation the municipal authorities of a city or town
3. a group of people acting as one body
4. See public corporation
5. informal.
   a large paunch or belly

corporation

1. A business organization owned by a group of stockholders , each of whom enjoys limited liability (that is, each can be held responsible for losses only up to the limit of his or her investment ). A corporation has the ability to raise capital by selling stock to the public.

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Words From

• corpo·ration·al adjective
• multi·corpo·ration noun
• noncor·po·ration noun
• subcor·po·ration noun
• super·corpo·ration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of corporation¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Late Latin corporātiōn- (stem of corporātiō ) “guild,” Latin: “physical makeup, build”; corporate, -ion

Example Sentences

The episode also includes discussion on the hard choices Bergh made around layoffs, a look into the ambitious diversity and inclusion plan he published in June, and leading a multinational corporation through the uncertainty of a pandemic.

From Fortune

The Pakistan military controls vast swaths of the country’s economy through military-linked corporations, such as the Fauji Foundation, one of the country’s largest conglomerates with interests ranging from cement to cereals.

From Ozy

The remaining funds, worth $300 million, are set to be supplied by partnering corporations such as IBM, Microsoft, Intel, and others.

From Fortune

Last August, nearly 200 of the world’s top business executives announced a new purpose for their corporations.

From Fortune

Over the same period, seismic improvements in shipping and technology made it possible for corporations to rely on networks of suppliers that stretch across the planet.

From MIT Technology Review

He was also swept about in the music of D.C., a scene which gave rise to such acts as Fugazi and Thievery Corporation.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, the Japanese-owned corporation has set a horrible precedent.

From The Daily Beast

A 1907 contract leases the plot of land to the Belgika corporation for five years, but it stayed for much longer.

From The Daily Beast

The QC Group Inc A Minnesota-based corporation, owned by Daniel Medford and David DeVowe, which provides quality control services.

From The Daily Beast

Co., Missouri Corporation that manufactures plumbing products.

From The Daily Beast

In future years the poor-rate (so-called) will include, in addition to these, all other rates levyable by the Corporation.

From Project Gutenberg

Any person who owes debts, or business corporation, may become a voluntary bankrupt.

From Project Gutenberg

What is a manufacturing corporation, within the meaning of the law, is not even yet fully known.

From Project Gutenberg

And this may be done by a corporation through its properly organized officers.

From Project Gutenberg

They thus establish a law for themselves somewhat like a charter of a corporation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• business
• company
• enterprise