investment

1 of 2

noun (1)

in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce investment (audio)
Synonyms of investmentnext
: 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

Synonyms of investment

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
One approach gaining support is to slow the displacement of workers with new taxes on AI services and investments. Editorial, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026 So far this year, BIP has secured about $400 million of new investment opportunities, including the launch of an equipment leasing platform with a leading global investment-grade original equipment manufacturer and a project under the strategic partnership with Bloom Energy. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 10 May 2026 The official added that allies are increasing investments in warships, aircraft, drones, long-range missiles, as well as space and cyber capabilities, while boosting readiness and modernizing command and control. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026 Billions of dollars in private investment and federal dollars have flooded into the area in recent years, but many local businesses still express concerns about a lagging regional economy. ABC News, 9 May 2026 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 11 May. 2026.

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

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