in·sur·ance
in-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s 
-ˈshər-,
also
ˈin-ˌshu̇r-
-ˌshər-
1
2
: a means of guaranteeing protection or safety
The contract is your insurance against price changes.
Frequent hand washing is good insurance against the common cold.
3
gambling
: a side bet that a player in blackjack may place when the dealer's first faceup card is an ace
Note: An insurance bet can be up to half of a player's original bet. It wins at 2 to 1 odds if the dealer's cards add up to 21.
: being a score that adds to a team's lead and makes it impossible for the opposing team to tie the game with its next score
an insurance run
Examples of insurance in a Sentence
Noun
insurance against theft or damage
She has a job in insurance.
I work for an insurance company.
Recent Examples on the Web
Phil Helsel, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
These four attracted the attention of insurance detectives with a series of suspicious insurance claims, according to the department.
—Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
The Economist, 8 May 2021
Buffett said last May that Berkshire Vice Chairman Greg Abel, who currently oversees all of the conglomerate’s non-insurance businesses, is set to take over as CEO.
—Dallas News, 24 Feb. 2022
See all Example Sentences for insurance 
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Noun
Video was submitted to the insurance company that alleged to show the animal entering the car.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
These four attracted the attention of insurance detectives with a series of suspicious insurance claims, according to the department.
—Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
That forced Mr Buffett to confirm that his heir apparent as chief executive is Greg Abel, 58, a trusted lieutenant who runs Berkshire’s non-insurance businesses.
—The Economist, 8 May 2021
Buffett said last May that Berkshire Vice Chairman Greg Abel, who currently oversees all of the conglomerate’s non-insurance businesses, is set to take over as CEO.
—Dallas News, 24 Feb. 2022
See all Example Sentences for insurance
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Dictionary Entries Near insurance
Cite this Entry
“Insurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurance. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
insurance
noun
in·sur·ance
in-ˈshu̇r-əns, ˈin-ˌshu̇r-
1
: the action, process, or means of insuring or the state of being insured usually against loss or damage by a contingent event (as death, fire, accident, or sickness)
2
a
: the business of insuring persons or property
b
: coverage by contract whereby for an agreed payment one party agrees to indemnify or guarantee another against loss by a specified contingency or peril
c
: the principles and practice of the business of insuring
3
: the sum for which something is insured
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