debenture

noun

de·​ben·​ture di-ˈben-chər 

1

British : a corporate security other than an equity security : bond

2

: a bond backed by the general credit of the issuer rather than a specific lien on particular assets

Examples of debenture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Centre Court debentures for 2026 to 2030 inclusive were issued at £116,000 ($156,462 at the current rate). — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 12 July 2025

Of course, the idea of a debenture isn’t exactly a new concept. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 2 July 2025

The company has raised funds through the issuance of convertible debentures and notes payable, with net proceeds of $2,305,000 used to support its data center development. — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2025

Sunbeam’s 1997 10K, issued two weeks before die sale of the debentures, shows that in December 1997 Sunbeam sold $60 million in accounts receivable to raise cash. — Matt Schifrin, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English debentur, from Latin, they are due, 3rd plural present passive of debēre to owe — more at debt

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for debenture

• adventure
• indenture
• bencher
• denture
• quencher
• trencher
• venture
• misadventure
• peradventure

Legal Definition

debenture

noun

de·​ben·​ture di-ˈben-chər 

: an unsecured bond that is backed by the issuer's general credit rather than a specific lien

called also debenture bond

see also indenture compare mortgage bond at bond

Note: Debentures are often convertible to stocks.

Etymology

Anglo-French debentour and Medieval Latin debentura, perhaps from Latin debentur they are owed