acquisition
noun
ac·qui·si·tion
ˌa-kwə-ˈzi-shən 
plural acquisitions
1
: the act of acquiring something
acquisition of property
the acquisition of knowledge
2
: something or someone acquired or gained
The team announced two new acquisitions.
Examples of acquisition in a Sentence
Steven Schwartzman, the billionaire CEO of Blackstone, suffers no personal liquidity problems. But his firm, and others like it—have had to call off a series of proposed acquisitions because they can't get financing.
—
Daniel Gross, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2008
The gifting of books, too, endured as a legacy of our book hunting. I quickly learned not to ask for newly published books as birthday or Christmas presents, since they provided my father with too little of a challenge. The measure of a gift's value was the amount of thought and effort that went into its acquisition.
—Charles Mitchell, Bloomsbury Review, November/December 2002
McKnight and Ward, free-agent acquisitions who each have only one full season as a starter, have brought much-needed speed to the position. But rookie Chris Chambers, a second-round draft pick from Wisconsin, is the jewel.
—Jeffri Chadiha, Sports Illustrated, 1 Oct. 2000
the country's acquisition of new ships
The big company's newest acquisition is a small chain of clothing stores.
The museum has put its latest acquisitions on display.
Daniel Gross, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2008
The gifting of books, too, endured as a legacy of our book hunting. I quickly learned not to ask for newly published books as birthday or Christmas presents, since they provided my father with too little of a challenge. The measure of a gift's value was the amount of thought and effort that went into its acquisition.
—Charles Mitchell, Bloomsbury Review, November/December 2002
McKnight and Ward, free-agent acquisitions who each have only one full season as a starter, have brought much-needed speed to the position. But rookie Chris Chambers, a second-round draft pick from Wisconsin, is the jewel.
—Jeffri Chadiha, Sports Illustrated, 1 Oct. 2000
the country's acquisition of new ships
The big company's newest acquisition is a small chain of clothing stores.
The museum has put its latest acquisitions on display.
Recent Examples on the Web
This move comes shortly after Celsius’ acquisition of Alani Nu for $1.65 billion.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The Canadiens’ acquisition of Carrier on Dec. 18 for Justin Barron dramatically changed their season — Montreal has a 21-11-6 record since the trade and its .632 points percentage over that span is fifth in the NHL.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Then there’s the list of newcomers, and from this collection comes perhaps the most intriguing and impactful acquisition.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Since the acquisition of star forward Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have looked like a very different team.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acquisition
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Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The Canadiens’ acquisition of Carrier on Dec. 18 for Justin Barron dramatically changed their season — Montreal has a 21-11-6 record since the trade and its .632 points percentage over that span is fifth in the NHL.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Then there’s the list of newcomers, and from this collection comes perhaps the most intriguing and impactful acquisition.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Since the acquisition of star forward Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have looked like a very different team.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acquisition
Cite this Entry
“Acquisition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquisition. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acquisition
noun
ac·qui·si·tion
ˌak-wə-ˈzish-ən
1
: the act of acquiring
2
: something acquired
Legal Definition
acquisition
noun
ac·qui·si·tion
ˌa-kwə-ˈzi-shən
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