prospectus

American  

[pruh-spek-tuhs] / prəˈspɛk təs /

noun

plural

prospectuses

1. 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.

2. 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.

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prospectus British  

/ prəˈspɛktəs /

noun

1. a formal statement giving details of a forthcoming event, such as the publication of a book or an issue of shares

2. a pamphlet or brochure giving details of courses, as at a college or school

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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

Example Sentences

It isn’t clear whether the prospectus that The Information referenced will be a confidential filing or whether investors will be able to read it.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

“The phrase “permanent capital” is mentioned a large number of times in the prospectus.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

“PSUS, which we expect will be our flagship NYSE-listed permanent capital vehicle, will be our first fund marketed to both U.S. retail and institutional investors,” it says in the prospectus.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

The company’s IPO price was $21 a share—$2 more than the offer prospectus had anticipated, and even that was notably higher than Microsoft’s public rivals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Every mortgage bond came with its own mind-numbingly tedious 130-page prospectus.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• catalogue
• syllabus