Phrase guide

private equity

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Capital stock in a private company that does not offer stock to the general public.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • That company is closely held; its equity is all private equity.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An investment fund that specializes in buying companies in order to restructure and then sell them with a profit; the industry comprising such firms.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • Although private equity is not inherently villainous, the horror stories from past takeovers give the industry a bad name, especially in cases where it assumes the mantle of landlord or hospital owner.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.