underwriter

noun

un·​der·​writ·​er ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tər 

ˈən-də-

1

: one that underwrites : guarantor

2

a

: one that underwrites a policy of insurance : insurer

b

: one who selects risks to be solicited or rates the acceptability of risks solicited

3

: one that underwrites a security issue

Examples of underwriter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even when the buyer has been preapproved, an underwriter sometimes panics about the looming income interruption. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025

The firm is a retail agent that finds policies by underwriters, said Matt Mowan, vice president of motorsports insurance. —Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

This shift in requirements will allow underwriters to focus on a consumer's previous rental payment history, rather than their credit worthiness. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Market volatility, higher interest rates and regulatory scrutiny have also chilled risk appetite among both issuers and underwriters. —Yun Li, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underwriter

• copywriter
• expediter
• biter
• brighter
• fighter
• lighter
• miter
• niter
• reiter
• righter
• slighter
• tighter

Legal Definition

underwriter

noun

un·​der·​writ·​er ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tər 

1

a

: a person (as an individual or a company) who underwrites an insurance policy : insurer

b

: a person who assesses risks to be covered by an insurance policy

2

: a person (as an individual or company) who underwrites a security issue compare issuer

Note: The Securities Act of 1933 requires dealers, issuers, and underwriters to file registration statements for the securities that they sell.