share

1 of 3

verb

shared; sharing; shares

transitive verb

1
a
: to partake of, use, experience, occupy, or enjoy with others
b
: to have in common
they share a passion for opera
c(1)
: to distribute on the Internet
… anyone you share a link with can share that link with someone else if they choose.Jeremy Scott
(2)
: to post (something) on a social media platform
Fans were also quick to screenshot and share the photo.Yasmin Quaid
The collective mind-set feels akin to that old adage about a tree falling in the forest: If you don't share it on Instagram, did it even happen?Emily Farra
It pulls in words and pictures from news and blog feeds as well as from links that your pals share on Facebook and Twitter.Harry McCracken
2
: to grant or give a share in
often used with with
shared the last of her water with us
3
: to tell (thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc.) to others
often used with with
4
: to divide and distribute in shares : apportion
usually used with out
shared out the land among his heirs

intransitive verb

1
: to have a share
used with in
we all shared in the fruits of our labor
2
: to apportion and take shares of something
3
: to talk about one's thoughts, feelings, or experiences with others
sharer noun

share

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
a
: a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual or group
b
: one's full or fair portion
has had his share of bad luck
2
a
: the part allotted or belonging to one of a number owning together property or interest
b
: any of the equal portions into which property or invested capital is divided
specifically : any of the equal interests or rights into which the entire stock of a corporation is divided and ownership of which is regularly evidenced by one or more certificates
c
shares plural, chiefly British : stock sense 2a

share

3 of 3

noun (2)

Choose the Right Synonym for share

share, participate, partake mean to have, get, or use in common with another or others.

share usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing.

shared my toys with the others

participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Examples of share in a Sentence

Verb They shared the last cookie. We shared the money equally. The children need to learn to share their toys.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The Salem Police department shared a warning to local drivers on its website, writing that community members can report traffic violations and request radar reading boards online. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024 To share feedback, please visit nytimes.com/readerfeedback. New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for share 

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English scearu cutting, tonsure; akin to Old English scieran to cut

Noun (2)

Middle English schare, from Old English scear; akin to Old High German scaro plowshare, Old English scieran to cut — more at shear

First Known Use

Verb

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Noun (1)

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of share was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near share

Cite this Entry

“Share.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/share. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

share

1 of 2 noun
ˈshe(ə)r How to pronounce share (audio)
ˈsha(ə)r
1
: a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual
2
: the part given or belonging to one of a number owning something together
sold my share of the business
3
: any of the equal portions or interests into which the property of a corporation is divided
100 shares of stock

share

2 of 2 verb
shared; sharing
1
: to divide and distribute in portions
shared the lunch
2
: to use, experience, or enjoy with others
3
: to give or be given a share : take a part
share in planning the program
sharer noun

Legal Definition

share

noun
1
: a portion belonging to, due to, or due from an individual
a joint tortfeasor is liable for her share of the damages
specifically : the part allotted or belonging to one of a number owning together any property or interest
the share of a joint tenant
his share passed to his widow
2
a
: any of the equal interests into which ownership of something (as a fund) is divided
specifically : any of the equal interests or rights into which the entire capital stock of a corporation is divided
b
: a certificate representing such a share

More from Merriam-Webster on share

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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