stockholder

UK: ˈstɒkhəʊldə | US: ˈstɑːkhoʊldər

Definition

  1. n. a person or entity that owns shares in a corporation; shareholder.

Structure
stock <financial share>hold <to own>er <agent suffix>
Etymology

stock<financial share> + hold<to own> + er<agent suffix>

Etymology Origin:
The word "stockholder" combines three morphemes:

  1. Stock (from Old English stocc, originally meaning "tree trunk," later evolving to signify "capital" or "financial share" in mercantile contexts).
  2. Hold (from Old English healdan, meaning "to possess or retain").
  3. -er (agentive suffix indicating a person who performs an action).

The term emerged in the 17th century alongside the rise of joint-stock companies, where investors held shares ("stock") as proof of ownership. The logic is straightforward: a stockholder is one who holds financial stock.

Examples

  1. The stockholder voted against the proposed merger.

  2. As a major stockholder, she receives annual dividends.

  3. The company’s report was sent to every stockholder.

  4. Stockholders demanded transparency in executive decisions.

  5. He became a stockholder after investing in the startup.