prospectus
Americannoun
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a document describing the major features of a proposed literary work, project, business venture, etc., in enough detail so that prospective investors, participants, or buyers may evaluate it.
Don't buy the new stock offering until you read the prospectus carefully.
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a brochure or other document describing the major features, attractions, or services of a place, institution, or business to prospective patrons, clients, owners, or members.
noun
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a formal statement giving details of a forthcoming event, such as the publication of a book or an issue of shares
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a pamphlet or brochure giving details of courses, as at a college or school
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prospectus
1770–80; < Latin prōspectus outlook, view, equivalent to prōspec-, stem of prōspicere ( prō- pro- 1 + -spicere, combining form of specere to look) + -tus suffix of v. action
Explanation
A prospectus is a written catalog or brochure that offers a plan, as of school courses to take or stocks to buy. The idea of a prospectus is to offer a variety of options and a plan of action. One goal of a prospectus is to present the positive features of something in order to attract a desired participant. When a new company wants to attract investors or a stock brokerage wants to attract new clients, each offers a prospectus specific to its goals. The word is from the Latin verb specere, "to look," which is combined with the prefix prō-, "forward" — giving us a verb meaning "to look forward" to something that is coming. The modern word appeared first in France in the 18th century.
Vocabulary lists containing prospectus
The Big Short
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"Arcadia" by Tom Stoppard, Act 1, Scenes 2–4
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spec, spect, spic (look), List 3
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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.
“This direct, real-time access to the information and human discourse on X enhances Grok’s truth-seeking capabilities by grounding outputs in up-to-date knowledge and diverse viewpoints,” the prospectus says.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
The company is also borrowing $1 billion for energy financing in the California municipal-bond market, according to a preliminary prospectus filed last week.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
As a result, the prospectus says, “Mr. Musk will be able to control the outcome of matters requiring shareholder approval,” including the selection of the board of directors.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Thursday’s gains came a day after SpaceX filed its updated prospectus, which included the $135 targeted IPO price.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
Every mortgage bond came with its own mind-numbingly tedious 130-page prospectus.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
