investment

1 of 2

noun (1)

in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce investment (audio)
: 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
2
3
a
: an outer layer : envelope
b
archaic : vestment

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
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Noun
At $1,500, the 10 Recumbent Bike is certainly an investment. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 1 July 2025 In terms of their return on investment in public health, given their relatively low cost and high effectiveness, all childhood and most adult vaccines are estimated to not only be cost-effective, but cost-saving, too. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 But a December revolution ended the Assad family’s rule, and the former Islamist militant who leads the new government has sought new investment and trade links, which Gulf states in particular have been quick to offer. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 July 2025 Spain has been hailed as a creative and production services hotspot over recent years, with investment in the local sector coming from the likes of Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios, both got local and international projects. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for investment

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of investment was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Investment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investment. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

investment

1 of 2 noun
in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce investment (audio)

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 How to pronounce investment (audio)
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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on investment

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