corporate

adjective

cor·​po·​rate ˈkȯr-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce corporate (audio)
1
a
: formed into an association and endowed by law with the rights and liabilities of an individual : incorporated
b
: of or relating to a corporation
a plan to reorganize the corporate structure
c
: of, relating to, or being the large corporations of a country or region considered as a unit
the latest trend in corporate America
d
: having qualities (such as commercialism or lack of originality) associated with large corporations or attributed to their influence or control
corporate rock music
corporate art
2
: of, relating to, or formed into a unified body of individuals
Human law arises by the corporate action of a people …George H. Sabine
3
corporately adverb

Examples of corporate in a Sentence

We have to change the corporate structure to survive. A bunch of corporate types in suits were sitting at the table in the conference room. He is one of the most powerful men in corporate America. The business is a corporate entity.
Recent Examples on the Web This is the web version of CFO Daily, a newsletter on the trends and individuals shaping corporate finance. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Here are some issues to consider: The proper exercises of corporate formalities including Open Meeting Act compliance, keeping minutes and having proper elections (among other things) are critical to ensure the volunteers’ acts are considered acts of the HOA instead of the volunteers. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024 Independent financial research firm Fundstrat's head of research Tom Lee said on CNBC that corporate greed was a key driver to inflation. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Li, a former party chief of the corporate metropolis of Shanghai, promised a better environment for business, withmore opportunities for international corporations to take part in government procurement and scrapped all restrictions on investing in the manufacturing sector. Christian Shepherd, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 The markets for both offices and certain types of retail spaces have begun to wither in the face of weakening tenant and corporate demand. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Binkley will co-produce the Winner Takes All adaptation, which will be set mainly in the 1990s as Wynn’s drive for power set up his ultimate corporate demise. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2024 The formerly traditional corporate culture was characterized by working in physical office spaces within large skyscraper buildings. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Trump owes the money individually and as the owner of corporate entities that were named as defendants in James’ lawsuit. Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corporate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin corporātus, past participle of corporāre "to form into a body, form (an organized social group)," verbal derivative of corpor-, corpus "body, organized group of people" — more at midriff

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near corporate

Cite this Entry

“Corporate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corporate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

corporate

adjective
cor·​po·​rate ˈkȯr-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce corporate (audio)
1
a
: formed into a corporation
b
: of, relating to, or being a corporation
take corporate action
2
: of, relating to, or being a whole composed of individuals
united together and took corporate action
corporately adverb

Legal Definition

corporate

1 of 2 adjective
cor·​po·​rate ˈkȯr-pə-rət How to pronounce corporate (audio)
: of or relating to a business corporation

corporate

2 of 2 noun
: a bond issued by a business corporation

More from Merriam-Webster on corporate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!