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

The Mittelstand’s ability to take a long view on business performance rather than scrambling for annual dividends is part of what has made German manufacturing so robust.

From BBC

They believe UK government’s funding rules, known as the Barnett Formula, should mean a dividend for the Welsh government, something ruled out by the previous Conservative government at Westminster.

From BBC

The experience paid dividends in other ways, too.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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