stakeholder

noun

stake·​hold·​er ˈstāk-ˌhōl-dər 

1

: a person entrusted with the stakes of bettors

2

: one that has a stake in an enterprise

3

: one who is involved in or affected by a course of action

stakeholding

ˈstāk-ˌhōl-diŋ 

noun

Examples of stakeholder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As family trees expand, more stakeholders enter the conversation, and priorities can diverge. —Belinda G. Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026

Late last year, the San Jose Downtown Association — one of the key stakeholders — named Brian Kurtz as its new CEO to help influence the area’s development. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026

Instead, they are often reported simply as public or private equities, leaving taxpayers and other stakeholders with an incomplete understanding of volatility and risks. —Mariana Trujillo, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Collins, who sits on the panel, said the task force is a good mix of stakeholders and should issue its first report in one to two weeks. —Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stakeholder

• officeholder
• beholder
• bondholder
• cardholder
• freeholder
• householder
• landholder
• leaseholder
• lienholder
• placeholder
• shareholder
• slaveholder

Legal Definition

stakeholder

noun

stake·​hold·​er ˈstāk-ˌhōl-dər 

1

: a person holding property or owing an obligation that is claimed by two or more adverse claimants and who has no claim to or interest in the property or obligation

2

: a person having an interest or share in a commercial undertaking