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

Other underwriters — Bank of America , Citigroup , and JPMorgan Chase — each landed about $75 million. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 16 June 2026

Fortune’s Shawn Tully explained how this mechanism allows underwriters to sell additional shares in an IPO to ensure stability while responding to the increase in investor demand. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 June 2026

That is precisely the capability that unsettles underwriters, because an agent that can decide is an agent that can decide wrongly, and fast. —Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

The underwriter will ask for a new credit report with the disputes removed before granting credit. —Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026

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.