Definition of 'share'

Word Frequency

(ʃeəʳ )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense shares , present participle sharing , past tense, past participle shared

1. countable noun

A company's shares are the many equal parts into which its ownership is divided. Shares can be bought by people as an investment.

[business]

This is why the British Airways' chairman has been so keen to buy shares in the rival airline. . [+ in]

For some months the share price remained fairly static.

2. verb

If you share something with another person, you both have it, use it, or occupy it. You can also say that two people share something.

...the small income he had shared with his brother from his father's estate. [VERB noun + with]

Two Americans will share this year's Nobel Prize for Medicine. [VERB noun]

Scarce water resources are shared between states who cannot trust each other. [be V-ed + between]

Most hostel tenants would prefer single to shared rooms. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: divide, split, distribute, assign More Synonyms of share

3. verb

If you share a task, duty, or responsibility with someone, you each carry out or accept part of it. You can also say that two people share something.

You can find out whether they are prepared to share the cost of the flowers with you. [VERB noun + with]

The republics have worked out a plan for sharing control of nuclear weapons. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you share an experience with someone, you have the same experience, often because you are with them at the time. You can also say that two people share something.

Yes, I want to share my life with you. [VERB noun + with]

I felt we both shared the same sense of loss, felt the same pain. [VERB noun]

5. verb [no cont]

If you share someone's opinion, you agree with them.

We share his view that business can be a positive force for change. [VERB noun]

Prosperity and economic success remain popular and broadly shared goals. [VERB-ed]

6. verb [no cont]

If one person or thing shares a quality or characteristic with another, they have the same quality or characteristic. You can also say that two people or things share something.

...newspapers which share similar characteristics with certain British newspapers. [VERB noun + with]

...two groups who share a common language. [VERB noun]

7. verb

If you share something that you have with someone, you give some of it to them or let them use it.

The village tribe is friendly and they share their water supply with you. [VERB noun + with]

Scientists now have to compete for funding, and do not share information among themselves. [V n + among]

Toddlers are notoriously antisocial when it comes to sharing toys. [VERB noun]

[Also VERB]

8. verb

If you share something personal such as a thought or a piece of news with someone, you tell them about it.

It can be beneficial to share your feelings with someone you trust. [VERB noun + with]

The renowned film critic shares his thoughts on the week's new movies. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you share something such as a message, photograph, or link, you post it on social media so that other people can see it.

With your phone you can take great pictures and share them instantly. [VERB noun]

10. countable noun [usually singular]

If something is divided or distributed among a number of different people or things, each of them has, or is responsible for, a share of it.

Sara also pays a share of the gas, electricity and phone bills. [+ of]

He is counting on winning seats and perhaps a share in the new government .

[Also + in]

11. countable noun

If you have or do your share of something, you have or do an amount that seems reasonable to you, or to other people.

Women must receive their fair share of training for well-paid jobs. [+ of]

I have had more than my full share of adventures.

Synonyms: part, portion, quota, ration More Synonyms of share

12. See also lion's share, market share, power-sharing

Phrasal verbs:

share in

share out

More Synonyms of share

Video: pronunciation of 'share'

Word Frequency

share in British 1

(ʃɛə )

noun

a part or portion of something owned, allotted to, or contributed by a person or group

2. (often plural)

any of the equal parts, usually of low par value, into which the capital stock of a company is divided: ownership of shares carries the right to receive a proportion of the company's profits

3. go shares

verb

4. (transitive; often foll by out)

to divide or apportion, esp equally

5. (when intr, often foll by in)

to receive or contribute a portion of

we can share the cost of the petrol

six people shared in the inheritance

to join with another or others in the use of (something)

can I share your umbrella?

Derived forms

sharable (ˈsharable) or shareable (ˈshareable)

adjective

sharer (ˈsharer)

noun

Word origin of 'share'

Old English scearu; related to Old Norse skor amount, Old High German scara crowd; see shear

Word Frequency

share in British 2

(ʃɛə )

noun

short for ploughshare

Word origin of 'share'

Old English scear; related to Old Norse skeri, Old High German scaro

Word Frequency

share in American 1

(ʃɛr ; sher)

noun

a part or portion that belongs or is allotted to an individual, or the part contributed by one

a just, due, reasonable, or full part or quota

to do one's share of work

any of the parts or portions into which the ownership of a piece of property is divided

any one of the equal parts into which the capital stock of a corporation is divided

verb transitiveWord forms: shared or ˈsharing

to distribute in shares; give out a portion or portions of; apportion

to receive, use, experience, etc. in common with another or others

verb intransitive

to have or take a share; participate

often with in

to share or divide something equally

often with with

Idioms:

go shares

on shares

share and share alike

SYNONYMY NOTE: share1 means to use, enjoy, or possess in common with others and generally connotes a giving or receiving a part of something [to share expenses]; participate implies a taking part with others in some activity or enterprise [to participate in the talks]; partake implies a taking one's share, as of a meal or responsibility [to partake of a friend's hospitality]

Derived forms

shareable (ˈshareable)

adjective or ˈsharable

sharer (ˈsharer)

noun

Word origin of 'share'

ME < OE scearu, akin to scieran, to shear

Word Frequency

share in American 2

(ʃɛr ; sher)

noun

the part of a plow or other agricultural tool that cuts the soil; plowshare

Word origin of 'share'

ME schar < OE scear, akin to scieran, to shear

Word Frequency

share in Accounting

(ʃɛər)

Word forms: (regular plural) shares

noun

(Accounting: Investing)

A share is one of the equal parts that the value of a company is divided into and that you can buy as an investment.

I've bought shares in my brother's new company.

People in China are eager to buy shares in new businesses.

A share is one of the equal parts that the value of a company is divided into and that you can buy as an investment.

Word Frequency

share in Finance

(ʃɛər)

Word forms: (regular plural) shares

noun

(Finance: Investment, Stocks)

A share is one of the equal parts that the value of a company is divided into and that you can buy as an investment.

I've bought shares in my brother's new company.

People in China are eager to buy shares in new businesses.

A share is one of the equal parts that the value of a company is divided into and that you can buy as an investment.

share capital, share certificate, share repurchase

Talking about sharesIf their value goes up, shares rise, climb, jump or soar. If their value goes down, shares fall, plunge, tumble, slip or slump. At the end of the day, people say that shares close at a particular price.When a company issues shares, it makes them available to buy. People trade shares when they buy and sell them. If you hold shares in a company, you own some of its shares.

Example sentences containing 'share'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

You have the energy and steady emotions to make sure family responsibilities are shared out fairly. The Sun (2012)Websites can be used to share information without the need for printed documents. Times, Sunday Times (2007)We also have to make sure prosperity is shared broadly. Times, Sunday Times (2015)We all love music and want to share it with people. The Sun (2013)Prices based on two people sharing a twin room and subject to availability. Times, Sunday Times (2008)YOU'RE climbing the career ladder and just bursting to share your valuable experience with younger colleagues. Times, Sunday Times (2006)The inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The imaginary gifts often reflect the wish of group members to share a part of themselves. Herman, Judith Lewis Trauma and Recovery (1992)Yet it is a poor relation that fails to win its fair share of resources. Times, Sunday Times (2011)You find a subtle way to redesign a relationship so pleasures and responsibilities are shared fairly. The Sun (2011)Tell her you love her and miss what you used to share together. The Sun (2013)The share price has broadly trebled over the past three years. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The firm prides itself on keeping people informed and sharing knowledge. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Prices based on two people sharing a twin cabin. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Price per person on four sharing. The Sun (2009)Have group members share the attributes they've written on their cards. Christianity Today (2000)His total interest represents 1.54 per cent of the issued share capital in the company. Times, Sunday Times (2007)In the large group, share these messages and discuss whether or not they fit in with your own philosophy. Lindenfield, Gael 50 Ways to Become a Self-Confident Woman (1989)I'd wager that car sharing makes petrol company bosses want to slap their foreheads very hard indeed. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Depending on your circumstances, you might prefer to buy back your share of the business at a much reduced cost to settle the residual debt. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Alternatively, the incoming business partner could buy a share in the LLP direct from the current members. Times, Sunday Times (2015)