investment

1 of 2

noun (1)

in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt 

: the outlay of money usually for income or profit : capital outlay

also : the sum invested or the property purchased

investment

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: investiture sense 1

2

: blockade, siege

3

a

: an outer layer : envelope

b

archaic : vestment

Synonyms of investment

Noun (2)

• siege
• blockade

Examples of investment in a Sentence

Noun (2)

the investment of Cuba was one of the decisive moments in the Cuban Missile Crisis

the investment of a new diocesan bishop is typically a grand and solemn occasion

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While lenders initially benefit from higher income, boosting investment returns, that advantage can be eroded if weaker companies struggle to service their debt. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026

Todd said clients that had planned capital investments nixed projects because of the escalating tariff threats and the prospect that the value of those investments would be hollowed out by new tariff burdens. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

As the financial press dials up estimates of total investment in data centers—from hundreds of billions to lately several trillion dollars—the fear of compute overcapacity, low or negative returns, and a recession escalates. — Harvard Business Review, 11 Sep. 2026

As Variety previously reported, the show’s budget is around £2 million per episode, roughly four times the cost of other flagship comedy shows, representing a huge investment for Sky. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

invest entry 1

Noun (2)

invest entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1774, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing investment

• investment company

Rhymes for investment

• arrestment
• divestment
• disinvestment
• reinvestment

Kids Definition

investment

1 of 2 noun

in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt 

1

: investiture sense 1

2

: blockade, siege

investment

2 of 2 noun

1

: the outlay of money for income or profit

2

: a sum of money invested or a property purchased

Medical Definition

investment

noun

in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt 

1

: an external covering of a cell, part, or organism

2

: a layer of heat-resistant material in which a dental appliance (as a bridge or inlay) is cast or in which it is embedded before soldering

Legal Definition

investment

1 of 2 noun

in·​vest·​ment

: investiture sense 1

investment

2 of 2 noun

1

: the outlay of money usually for income or profit : capital outlay

also : the sum invested or the property purchased

2

: the commitment of funds with a view to minimizing risk and safeguarding capital while earning a return compare speculation