share

1 of 3

verb

ˈsher 

shared; sharing; shares

transitive verb

1

a

: to partake of, use, experience, occupy, or enjoy with others

b

: to have in common

they share a passion for opera

c(1)

: to distribute on the Internet

… anyone you share a link with can share that link with someone else if they choose.

—Jeremy Scott

(2)

: to post (something) on a social media platform

Fans were also quick to screenshot and share the photo.

—Yasmin Quaid

The collective mind-set feels akin to that old adage about a tree falling in the forest: If you don't share it on Instagram, did it even happen?

—Emily Farra

It pulls in words and pictures from news and blog feeds as well as from links that your pals share on Facebook and Twitter.

—Harry McCracken

2

: to grant or give a share in

—often used with with

shared the last of her water with us

3

: to tell (thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc.) to others

—often used with with

4

: to divide and distribute in shares : apportion

—usually used with out

shared out the land among his heirs

intransitive verb

1

: to have a share

—used with in

we all shared in the fruits of our labor

2

: to apportion and take shares of something

3

: to talk about one's thoughts, feelings, or experiences with others

sharer noun

share

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

a

: a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual or group

b

: one's full or fair portion

has had his share of bad luck

2

a

: the part allotted or belonging to one of a number owning together property or interest

b

: any of the equal portions into which property or invested capital is divided

specifically : any of the equal interests or rights into which the entire stock of a corporation is divided and ownership of which is regularly evidenced by one or more certificates

c

shares plural, chiefly British : stock sense 2a

share

3 of 3

noun (2)

: plowshare

Synonyms

Verb

• partake
• participate

Noun (1)

• allotment
• allowance
• cut
• end
• part
• piece
• portion
• proportion
• quota
• slice
• take

Choose the Right Synonym for share

share, participate, partake mean to have, get, or use in common with another or others.

share usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing.

shared my toys with the others

participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Examples of share in a Sentence

Verb

They shared the last cookie.

We shared the money equally.

The children need to learn to share their toys.

Noun (1)

my share of the lottery winnings is over a million dollars

her share of the bill comes to $13.44

she sold her share in the business to her partner

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Wing will share practical tools and give expert insight on keeping families safe from online predators, cyber-bullying, digital threats and more. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

The Virginia rap duo recently shared their feelings on the production duo’s breakup and the relationship between the two collectives. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025

Noun

Ikea has 39 stores in China, although the share of its global sales in the country has been sliding in recent years and was at 3.5% in 2023-24 financial year. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 June 2025

The Sycamore deal, which pays $11.45 per share — 29% above the December stock price — comes after years of Walgreens’ pharmacy closings and plummeting stock in part due to a disastrous rollout of clinics attached to stores. —Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English scearu cutting, tonsure; akin to Old English scieran to cut

Noun (2)

Middle English schare, from Old English scear; akin to Old High German scaro plowshare, Old English scieran to cut — more at shear

First Known Use

Verb

1570, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing share

• a piece/slice/share of the pie
• bed share
• fair share
• have/share more/less in common with
• have/share (something) in common
• lion's share
• market share
• ordinary share
• ride share
• share a common purpose
• share a stage with
• share one's feelings
• share option
• share out
• share the limelight
• share the wealth
• time-share

Rhymes for share

• air
• ayre
• bahr
• bare
• blare
• care
• chair
• claire
• ere
• err
• eyre
• fair

Kids Definition

share

1 of 2 noun

ˈshe(ə)r 

ˈsha(ə)r

1

: a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual

2

: the part given or belonging to one of a number owning something together

sold my share of the business

3

: any of the equal portions or interests into which the property of a corporation is divided

100 shares of stock

share

2 of 2 verb

shared; sharing

1

: to divide and distribute in portions

shared the lunch

2

: to use, experience, or enjoy with others

3

: to give or be given a share : take a part

share in planning the program

sharer noun

Legal Definition

share

noun

1

: a portion belonging to, due to, or due from an individual

a joint tortfeasor is liable for her share of the damages

specifically : the part allotted or belonging to one of a number owning together any property or interest

the share of a joint tenant

his share passed to his widow

2

a

: any of the equal interests into which ownership of something (as a fund) is divided

specifically : any of the equal interests or rights into which the entire capital stock of a corporation is divided

b

: a certificate representing such a share