dividend

noun

div·​i·​dend ˈdi-və-ˌdend How to pronounce dividend (audio)
-dənd
Synonyms of dividend
1
: an individual share of something distributed: such as
a
: a share in a pro rata distribution (as of profits) to stockholders
Profits are distributed to shareholders as dividends.
b
: a share of surplus allocated to a policyholder in a participating insurance policy
2
a
: a resultant return or reward
our efforts are finally paying dividends
b
: bonus
3
a
mathematics : a number to be divided
b
: a sum or fund to be divided and distributed
dividendless
ˈdi-və-ˌdend-ləs How to pronounce dividend (audio)
-dənd-
adjective

Synonyms of dividend

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Examples of dividend in a Sentence

Profits are distributed to shareholders as dividends. the reward money was an unexpected dividend for our good deed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But since making that promise in November 2025, as of this month, such dividends have yet to materialize. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Total shareholder yield – through dividends and share buybacks combined – now lags the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 He’s previously endorsed $2,000 in dividends from tariff revenues and large refunds from spending cuts achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency, neither of which materialized. — Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Rhea says the dividends of outdoor play speak for themselves in the classroom. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dividend

Word History

Etymology

Middle English divident, from Latin dividendus, gerundive of dividere — see divide entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dividend was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing dividend

Rhymes for dividend

See All Rhymes for dividend

Browse Nearby Words

divide evenly
dividend
dividend warrant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dividend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dividend. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dividend

noun
div·​i·​dend ˈdiv-ə-ˌdend How to pronounce dividend (audio)
-əd-ənd
1
: a sum to be divided and given out
2
: bonus
3
: a number to be divided by another

Legal Definition

dividend

noun
div·​i·​dend ˈdi-və-ˌdend How to pronounce dividend (audio)
1
: the part of corporate net earnings distributed usually periodically (as quarterly) to stockholders in the form of cash, additional shares, or property either as a set amount per share or a percentage of par value
— constructive dividend
: a benefit (as unreasonable compensation or use of corporate property) or transfer of funds from a corporation to a shareholder that is interpreted by a taxing authority as a dividend
— cumulative dividend
: a dividend distributed to preferred stockholders that is added to and paid with the next payment or future payments if not paid when due
— extraordinary dividend
: a dividend declared in addition to a regular dividend because of unanticipated profits or a nonrecurring increase of revenue
2
: a share of the surplus earnings of a mutual insurance company paid to policyholders either in the form of cash disbursements or through reduction of premiums
3
: a payment disbursed to investors from the income of a mutual fund

More from Merriam-Webster on dividend

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dividend

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