insurance

American  

[in-shoor-uhns, -shur-] / ɪnˈʃʊər əns, -ˈʃɜr- /

noun

1. the act, system, or business of insuring property, life, one's person, etc., against loss or harm arising in specified contingencies, as fire, accident, death, disablement, or the like, in consideration of a payment proportionate to the risk involved.

2. coverage by contract in which one party agrees to indemnify or reimburse another for loss that occurs under the terms of the contract.

3. the contract itself, set forth in a written or printed agreement or policy.

4. the amount for which anything is insured. insured.

5. an insurance premium.

6. any means of guaranteeing against loss or harm.

   Taking vitamin C is viewed as an insurance against catching colds.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to a score that increases a team's lead and insures that the lead will be held if the opposing team should score once more.

   The home run gave the team an insurance run, making the score 7-5.

insurance British  

/ ɪnˈʃʊərəns, -ˈʃɔː- /

noun

1. 1. the act, system, or business of providing financial protection for property, life, health, etc, against specified contingencies, such as death, loss, or damage, and involving payment of regular premiums in return for a policy guaranteeing such protection

   2. the state of having such protection

   3. Also called: insurance policy.  the policy providing such protection

   4. the pecuniary amount of such protection

   5. the premium payable in return for such protection

   6. ( as modifier )

      insurance agent

      insurance broker

      insurance company

2. a means of protecting or safeguarding against risk or injury

---

Other Word Forms

• noninsurance noun
• preinsurance noun
• proinsurance adjective

Etymology

Origin of insurance

First recorded in 1545–55; insure + -ance

Example Sentences

The Treasury Department said recently that it was planning a series of conversations about “emerging risks” and “risk management practices” in private credit with state insurance commissioners.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

In another criminal complaint, which also names the couple, another 16 people are charged with insurance fraud, identity theft and conspiracy to commit health insurance fraud.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Nevertheless, insurance specialists Lloyd's List noted: "Iran's approval regime for Hormuz transits remains intact."

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Whether they’re paying just $25 using a coupon with insurance or getting a discounted self-pay price, patients should read the fine print, experts urge.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The pool of loans on which you’ve bought insurance shrinks, and the amount of your insurance shrinks with it.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• allowance
• coverage
• guarantee