share
n. countablen. a part of something that has been divided between several people. It can also mean one of the equal parts of a company that people can buy.
n. a portion or part of something that is divided among several recipients; specifically, one of the equal units of ownership in a corporation or financial asset.
I paid my share of the dinner bill.
The company's share price dropped significantly after the quarterly earnings report was released to the public.
While every team member contributed to the project's success, the lead designer claimed a disproportionate share of the credit during the final presentation.
From Middle English schare, schere, from Old English sċearu (“a cutting, shaving, a shearing, tonsure, part, division, share”), from Proto-West Germanic skaru, from Proto-Germanic skarō (“a division, detachment”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut, divide”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian skar, sker (“a share in a communal pasture”), Dutch schare (“share in property”), German Schar (“band, troop, party, company”), Icelandic skor (“department”). Compare shard, shear. Doublet of eschel.
From Middle English share, schare, shaar, from Old English sċear, sċær (“ploughshare”), from Proto-Germanic skaraz (“ploughshare”), from Proto-Indo-European (s)ker- (“to cut”). Cognate with Dutch schaar (“ploughshare”), dialectal German Schar (“ploughshare”), Danish (plov)skær (“ploughshare”). More at shear.
Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the whole being divided.
- 01
fair share
A significant amount, often implied to be excessive or inordinate; a great deal of something.
- 02
lion's share
The majority; a large or generous portion.
- 03
share and share alike
For members of a group, equal portions of or equal access to tangible or intangible goods, entitlements, or obligations—i.e., each person's share like each of the other shares. Often used in a context of reciprocity, or pooling resources.