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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

During a decade of ultralow bond rates, private-equity-controlled insurers surged ahead of traditional firms by investing policyholder premiums in higher risk private credit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The insurance department contends that policyholder complaints are confidential, even for those filing the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

In such circumstances, insurers usually give customers and/or their heirs a grace period after the policyholder dies if they have failed to make their payments.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 12, 2025

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