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

Citing Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, investment bank UBS crunched the rosy numbers and concluded that promised benefits are off. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026

Baltimore leaders have decided not to renew the city's controversial agreement with Baltimore Gas and Electric that allowed the company to make infrastructure investments to the underground utility network. —Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 6 June 2026

But American businesses won’t have enough confidence for long-term investments until Venezuela’s leadership outlines a credible path to free and fair elections. —Editorial Board, Washington Post, 6 June 2026

Trump has embraced government investment in private companies in his second term, scrambling his party’s politics. —ABC News, 6 June 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