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policyholder

American  
[pol-uh-see-hohl-der] / ˈpɒl ə siˌhoʊl dər /

noun

  1. the individual or firm in whose name an insurance policy is written; an insured.


policyholder British  
/ ˈpɒlɪsɪˌhəʊldə /

noun

  1. a person or organization in whose name an insurance policy is registered

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of policyholder

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; policy 2 + holder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, the difference in premiums may look less pronounced for the average policyholder, who purchases anywhere from $20,000 to $500,000 in coverage.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

In recent years, alternative asset managers and private-equity players acquired life and annuity insurers to funnel billions of dollars of sticky policyholder premiums into complex private loans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

If the insured person dies during the term, beneficiaries will receive a payout, but if the term expires and the policyholder is still alive, the coverage expires with no payout.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

She demanded the company apologize to its policyholder.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

When a policyholder died, Spaulding placed advertisements trumpeting the delivery of the Mutual check as if the person had won the lottery.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson