buyout

1 of 2

noun

buy·​out ˈbī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce buyout (audio)
1
: an act or instance of buying out
2
: a financial incentive offered to an employee in exchange for an early retirement or voluntary resignation

buy out

2 of 2

verb

bought out; buying out; buys out

transitive verb

1
: to purchase the share or interest of
2
: to purchase the entire stock-in-trade and the goodwill of (a business)

Examples of buyout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Ratings agencies and investors are fretting about leverage as the combined company enters a shifting media landscape with $80 billion in debt after one of the biggest leveraged buyouts in corporate history. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 And Paramount agreed to put its Warner buyout on ice well into next year so the challenges could head toward a larger antitrust trial. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
To cut costs, some buy out less frequently, resort to cheaper options, use discounts or loyalty programs, keep a strict budget, meal prep or forage for food at work. — Itzel Franco, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 Earlier this year, Paramount phased out BET’s streaming platform BET+ and merged its content onto the Paramount+ app after buying out Tyler Perry Studios’ equity stake. — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buyout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buyout was in 1598

Phrases Containing buyout

Rhymes for buyout

See All Rhymes for buyout

Browse Nearby Words

buy one's way
buyout
buy out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buyout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buyout. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

buyout

1 of 2 noun
buy·​out ˈbī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce buyout (audio)
: an act or instance of buying out

buy out

2 of 2 transitive verb
1
: to purchase the share or interest of
2
: to purchase the entire tangible and intangible assets of (a business)
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