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

Example Sentences

Verb

They shared the last cookie.

We shared the money equally.

The children need to learn to share their toys.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Hunt wished Berry a happy birthday on Monday by sharing 10 photos from their adventures together. —Nikki Dobrin, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2023

Dua makes sure to stretch it out with some yoga, and she’s even shared several videos of herself doing a tripod headstand. —Korin Miller, Women's Health, 14 Aug. 2023

Billy Porter is sharing his distaste with Harry Styles’ 2020 Vogue cover. —Variety, NBC News, 14 Aug. 2023

Disabled voice actors shared with WIRED the ways their disabilities impact their work, and the importance of an inclusive industry. —Grant Stoner, WIRED, 14 Aug. 2023

In a video shared by Facebook user Cathy Copeland Robbins, Blake introduced Kingston. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2023

After the final horn, Krejci salutes the Boston crowd and shares a tearful embrace with Bergeron. Krejci (left) and Patrice Bergeron both had decisions to make about their NHL futures after the Bruins were stunned in the first round of the playoffs. —Greg McKenna, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2023

Some Maui residents who escaped the blaze shared their stories of survival. —Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2023

Avant’s death was announced Monday through a statement shared by his family. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2023

Noun

The couple shares son Win, 3, and daughter Sienna Princess, 6. —Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2023

Everybody in the family got an equal share, including Michael. —Li Cohen, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2023

Lewis apparently gave the Tuohy family half of his share from the movie, Tuohy Jr. said. —Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2023

Although Esmark offered $35 a share, US Steel’s stock was hovering below $32. —Chris Isidore, CNN, 14 Aug. 2023

Hayek is a stepmother and co-parent to Augie, the 16-year-old son Evangelista shares with François-Henri Pinault—the French businessman to whom Hayek has been married since 2009. —Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2023

Changing demographics and a rise in early retirements are increasing the share of retirees in the U.S. population. —Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2023

The shares of a subsidiary of property giant China Evergrande Group resumed trading on Thursday after a long break. —WSJ, 3 Aug. 2023

The shares had lost 39 percent this year through Wednesday’s close. —Ike Swetlitz, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Aug. 2023

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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

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

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/spread the wealth
• share a common purpose
• share a stage with
• share one's feelings
• share option
• share out
• share the limelight
• time-share

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• 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/spread the wealth
• share a common purpose
• share a stage with
• share one's feelings
• share option
• share out
• share the limelight
• time-share

See More

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