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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
Advertisement The agenda of Putin’s trip covers energy, defense, civil aviation, critical minerals, investment projects, and labor migration. Harsh V. Pant, Time, 5 Dec. 2025 Federal data shows corporate investment levels are roughly in line with last year, with companies on track to invest over $5 trillion in 2025. Laura Doan, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 The state investment programs required to provide such options include the 529 education savings plan and certain retirement funds for teachers, public employees and lawmakers. Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025 Netflix and Google’s YouTube—which has also grown its sports investments—have emerged as the biggest digital-first entertainment companies in terms of TV watch time. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 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 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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