underwriter

noun

un·​der·​writ·​er ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tər How to pronounce underwriter (audio)
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 Investment banking equity underwriters are projected to receive a 5%-15% increase. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2023 His father was an insurance underwriter who attended Mass daily. Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2023 His father was an insurance underwriter, and his mother was a nurse. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2023 Step 1: Selecting An Underwriter The first step in the underwriting process is for the company looking to go public to select an underwriter or a group of underwriters. Pedro Langa, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 As a result, five major municipal bond underwriters, representing more than a quarter of all competitive-bid municipal bond offers in Texas, withdrew from the state. Nate Dicamillo, Quartz, 17 Apr. 2023 Graduation, Bar Mitzvah Once the price was agreed upon, bankers clapped and congratulated the team and some of the underwriters went out to celebrate. Ryan Gould, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2023 The repercussions of the apparent retreat for Ukraine weren’t clear, but Blinken’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, reiterated that the U.S., Ukraine’s biggest underwriter during the war, will remain undeterred. NBC News, 25 June 2023 Over the past 36 years, Hurston has been an underwriter, arts commissioner, community engagement leader, gala planner, board member and outspoken voice for creating opportunities for actors, directors, designers and playwrights of color. San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underwriter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underwriter was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near underwriter

Cite this Entry

“Underwriter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwriter. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Legal Definition

underwriter

noun
un·​der·​writ·​er ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tər How to pronounce underwriter (audio)
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.

More from Merriam-Webster on underwriter

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