policyholder

noun

pol·​i·​cy·​hold·​er ˈpä-lə-sē-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce policyholder (audio)
: the owner of an insurance policy

Examples of policyholder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Matt McClain | Bloomberg | Getty Images Inflation has increased the cost to repair and rebuild homes, thereby increasing the amount of money that insurers pay out when policyholders file an insurance claim, experts said. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 27 May 2026 Lawmakers in 2022 and 2023 eliminated one-way attorney fees and banned assignment of benefits, where contractors would take over policyholder claims. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026 The Vitality program from life insurance company John Hancock rewards policyholders with points for healthy behaviors such as going to the gym, buying healthy foods, tracking sleep, getting preventive screenings and check-ups. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 25 May 2026 Aggressive companies affiliated with private equity firms and asset managers have been snapping up insurers and, in some cases, engaging in highly complex deals that can imperil policyholders. Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for policyholder

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of policyholder was in 1818

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Policyholder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/policyholder. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

policyholder

noun
pol·​i·​cy·​hold·​er ˈpäl-ə-sē-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce policyholder (audio)
: the owner of an insurance policy

Legal Definition

policyholder

noun
pol·​i·​cy·​hold·​er ˈpä-lə-sē-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce policyholder (audio)
: the owner of an insurance policy

called also policyowner

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