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

This year’s lead underwriter so far is Cantor Fitzgerald, the financial services firm formerly led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 1 July 2025

Online banking stock Chime soared in its Nasdaq debut after also pricing above the range that underwriters had marketed. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 June 2025

The deal was led by JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, alongside 12 other underwriters. —Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

The lawsuit alleged that the firm and Comer didn’t provide advice on the qualifications of an underwriter. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 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.