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
Look at Chegg, which had no buyout and no leverage to pin it on. — Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The buyout caused problems among the board and the solicitor. — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
Or buy out an entire state, like, say, Rhode Island. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Either way, the store proved so successful that Noble bought out McCullough and his son after the first season. — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on buyout

Nglish: Translation of buyout for Spanish Speakers

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