debenture

noun

de·​ben·​ture di-ˈben-chər How to pronounce debenture (audio)
1
British : a corporate security other than an equity security : bond
2
: a bond backed by the general credit of the issuer rather than a specific lien on particular assets

Examples of debenture 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.
The company has raised funds through the issuance of convertible debentures and notes payable, with net proceeds of $2,305,000 used to support its data center development. — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2025 Sunbeam’s 1997 10K, issued two weeks before die sale of the debentures, shows that in December 1997 Sunbeam sold $60 million in accounts receivable to raise cash. — Matt Schifrin, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English debentur, from Latin, they are due, 3rd plural present passive of debēre to owe — more at debt

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of debenture was in the 15th century

Rhymes for debenture

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Browse Nearby Words

debellation
debenture
debenture stock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Debenture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debenture. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Legal Definition

debenture

noun
de·​ben·​ture di-ˈben-chər How to pronounce debenture (audio)
: an unsecured bond that is backed by the issuer's general credit rather than a specific lien

called also debenture bond

see also indenture compare mortgage bond at bond

Note: Debentures are often convertible to stocks.

Etymology

Anglo-French debentour and Medieval Latin debentura, perhaps from Latin debentur they are owed

More from Merriam-Webster on debenture

Nglish: Translation of debenture for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about debenture

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