dividend

noun

div·​i·​dend ˈdi-və-ˌdend How to pronounce dividend (audio)
-dənd
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 adjective

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 Since dividends are taxed directly as income of the shareholders, taxing corporate profits taxes the same income twice and takes away the funds that would otherwise be invested in America’s future. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 In 2023, the top 10 dividend payers accounted for 8.2% of global dividend payouts, compared to 9.9% in 2022, and 10.3% in 2021. Will Daniel, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 The second half of 2023 was one of the most profitable half-years in the history of RTL Group despite weak advertising markets and significant investments, enabling us to pay an attractive dividend. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Although the company’s net loss in 2023 was significant, Adidas said its board would maintain a dividend of €0.70 per share. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 13 Mar. 2024 Fueled by a diverse economy — a dividend of the postwar boom years — this building, likened by one manager to the Taj Mahal, was dedicated on March 6, 1990. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 This caused the tribe to lay off employees and cut dividends to tribal members, with other tribes in the state following suit due to similar issues. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 The dividend is payable on 3/12 to shareholders of record at the close of business on 2/16. Joe Cornell, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Future declarations of semi-annual dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to the final determination and discretion of the Board of Directors. Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dividend.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near dividend

Cite this Entry

“Dividend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dividend. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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