dividend Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun that part of the earnings of a corporation that is distributed to its shareholders; usually paid quarterly
  2. noun a number to be divided by another number
  3. noun a bonus; something extra (especially a share of a surplus)

WordNet

Div"i*dend noun
Etymology
L. dividendum thing to be divided, neut. of the gerundive of dividere: cf. F. dividende.
Definitions
  1. A sum of money to be divided and distributed; the share of a sum divided that falls to each individual; a distribute sum, share, or percentage; -- applied to the profits as appropriated among shareholders, and to assets as apportioned among creditors; as, the dividend of a bank, a railway corporation, or a bankrupt estate.
  2. (Math.) A number or quantity which is to be divided.

Webster 1913