Ownership
/ˈoʊnərʃɪp/
Definitions
The state of having something as one's property; the right to possess something.
/ˈoʊnərʃɪp/
The state, right, or fact of owning something.
She gained ownership of the antique car after her grandfather passed away.
💡 Simply: Ownership is like having a toy that's *yours* and nobody else's. You get to decide what to do with it. Like, I have ownership of my bike, so I can ride it wherever I want!
👶 For kids: Ownership means something belongs to you.
More Examples
The ownership of the company was transferred to a new management team.
The legal documents clearly established the ownership of the land.
How It's Used
"Company ownership is often divided among shareholders."
"The deed provides evidence of ownership."
"Home ownership remains a significant goal for many families."
Idioms & expressions
Change of Ownership
A transfer of property or control from one entity to another.
"The company underwent a change of ownership when it was bought by a larger corporation."
From Old English *āgen + -scip (a suffix denoting a state or condition). *āgen derived from Proto-Germanic *aiganą meaning 'to possess'.
The word 'ownership' has been used since the early 19th century to describe the state or fact of owning something.
Memory tip
Think of owning a pet – you have ownership, and you're responsible.
Word Origin
"to have, possess"