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

The automaker spent much of the year undoing decisions made by the previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, who resigned at the end of 2024, as stakeholders in the company — from dealers to union rank and file — were upset with him and unhappy with his leadership. —Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

But good reporters on campuses often ferret out the finalists’ names, especially if their candidates are holding meetings with a variety of stakeholders. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

Johnston also agreed to hold a series of stakeholder meetings with the Denver Metro Tenants Union and other housing organizations to discuss more avenues to protect residents. —Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026

As Harrington remembers it, a group of stakeholders then met to discuss strategies for how to enact a citywide recycling program. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 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