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

Proponents of the authorization note that the $155 million investment arrives four years after a severe drought in the Sacramento Valley in 2022 had cost local communities hundreds of millions of dollars and roughly 1,500 jobs. — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 2 July 2026

This shift reflects a growing belief that self-investment, confidence, and joy are integral to a new, healthier definition of strength, challenging the expectation to always carry the world's burdens. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Clint O'Neal, executive director of the commission, said increasing investment in local communities is critical for economic growth. — Dylan Sherman, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2026

This is a deliberate investment in the future of our cultural ecosystem, and the scale of our ambition is clear. — New Atlas, 2 July 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