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

JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup are serving as lead underwriters, and the company is reportedly aiming for a valuation of up to $5 billion. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025

JPMorgan and Citigroup are lead underwriters for the offering. —Ryan Lawler, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025

In the short term, underwriters are likely to be even more cautious about writing new policies in high-risk areas, according to Poux, implementing stricter guidelines and requiring comprehensive wildfire mitigation measures from homeowners. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Following a series of phone calls to the bank, none of which were notable for their diplomatic temperance on my part, an underwriter clarified that my business credit report had been flagged, not my personal one—a detail the form letter had failed to clarify. —Levi King, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

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.