1. a person or company that evaluates and assumes financial risk, especially in insurance or securities
Usage: finance; insurance
2. a person or institution that agrees to buy unsold shares in a new stock issue
Usage: finance; securities

Examples

• The insurance underwriter reviewed the application carefully before approving coverage.
• As an underwriter, she specializes in evaluating commercial property risks.
• The bank served as the lead underwriter for the company’s initial public offering.
• Several underwriters agreed to purchase any unsold shares from the stock offering.
• The underwriter determined that the applicant was too high-risk for standard rates.
• Investment banks often act as underwriters when companies go public.