investment

1 of 2

noun (1)

in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce investment (audio)
: the outlay of money usually for income or profit : capital outlay
also : the sum invested or the property purchased

investment

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
2
3
a
: an outer layer : envelope
b
archaic : vestment

Examples of investment in a Sentence

Noun (2) the investment of Cuba was one of the decisive moments in the Cuban Missile Crisis the investment of a new diocesan bishop is typically a grand and solemn occasion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The university has embraced AI in the past for research and educational workshops, with the partnership becoming the latest investment in the tool. Helen Rummel, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024 Much like an investment, media coverage can yield returns over time if managed correctly. Qamar Zaman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Some of the money will not necessarily be newly raised, but could include some funding already announced such as Softbank’s recent $1.5 billion investment in OpenAI, the tech firm behind chatbot ChatGPT. John Melloy, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024 Strategic capital investment in AI infrastructure AI’s transformative potential requires heavy investment in infrastructure, data management, and compliance measures. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for investment 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

invest entry 1

Noun (2)

invest entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1774, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of investment was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near investment

Cite this Entry

“Investment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investment. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

investment

1 of 2 noun
in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce investment (audio)

investment

2 of 2 noun
1
: the outlay of money for income or profit
2
: a sum of money invested or a property purchased

Medical Definition

investment

noun
in·​vest·​ment in-ˈves(t)-mənt How to pronounce investment (audio)
1
: an external covering of a cell, part, or organism
2
: a layer of heat-resistant material in which a dental appliance (as a bridge or inlay) is cast or in which it is embedded before soldering

Legal Definition

investment

1 of 2 noun
in·​vest·​ment

investment

2 of 2 noun
1
: the outlay of money usually for income or profit : capital outlay
also : the sum invested or the property purchased
2
: the commitment of funds with a view to minimizing risk and safeguarding capital while earning a return compare speculation

More from Merriam-Webster on investment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!