Definition of SHARE

play

noun \ ˈsher \

Updated on: 26 Jul 2017

Definition of share

:plowshare

Origin and Etymology of share

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

noun

Definition of share

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 7c(1)

Origin and Etymology of share

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

verb

Definition of share

shared; sharing

transitive verb

1 :to divide and distribute in shares :apportion —usually used with out

shared out the land among his heirs

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

b :to have in common

they share a passion for opera

3 :to grant or give a share in —often used with with

shared the last of her water with us

4 :to tell (thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc.) to others —often used with with

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

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sharer

noun

See share defined for English-language learners

Examples of share in a Sentence

They shared the last cookie.
We shared the money equally.
The children need to learn to share their toys.

First Known Use of share

1590

share Synonyms

Synonyms

participate, partake

Related Words

endure, experience, feel, know, see, taste, undergo; encounter, meet; accept, receive

Synonym Discussion of 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

Financial Definition of SHARE

noun

What It Is

Shares are units of ownership in stocks and partnerships.

How It Works

The unit of ownership of a company is usually referred to as a "share." It is a single unit that represents equity in the company's capital structure. The owners of shares are called "shareholders." The distribution of shares in a company indicates the distribution of ownership in the company.

A share's value in a company or an investment is based on the price at which a share is sold in the market. One basic measure of a company's worth is market value, which is the number of outstanding shares multiplied by the price of a share.

Market Valuation = Number of Shares Outstanding X Share Price

Why It Matters

Investors are granted a variety of rights based on their ownership of shares in a company or investment. Most important, however, their shares represent equity in the company, and, as a result, may have tax consequences when their equity is sold.

Source: Investing Answers

SHARE Defined for English Language Learners

verb

Definition of share for English Language Learners

: to have or use (something) with others
of two or more people : to divide (something) into parts and each take or use a part
: to let someone else have or use a part of (something that belongs to you)

SHARE Defined for Kids

play

noun \ ˈsher \

Definition of share for Students

1 :a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by one person

I finished my share of the work.

2 :the part given or belonging to one of a group of people owning something together

I sold my share of the business.

3 :any of the equal parts into which a property or corporation is divided

100 shares of stock

verb

Definition of share for Students

shared; sharing

1 :to divide and distribute in portions

We shared the last cookie.

2 :to use, experience, or enjoy with others The child would not share his toys.

I share a locker with my friend.

3 :to have or take a part in

I share the blame for what happened.

4 :to have in common

We share a love of music.

Law Dictionary

noun

legal Definition of share

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