a company that owns more than half the shares of another company
parent company in American English
noun
a corporation or other business enterprise that owns controlling interests in one or more subsidiary companies (distinguished from holding company)
Word origin
[1865–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1865–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: batting average, goulash, maverick, springboard, valence
Examples of 'parent company' in a sentence
parent company
The telecoms business should be significantly larger than the parent company.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The parent company has a roster of blue-chip clients.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Much of its business was done through opaque deals with its private parent company.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He owns 18%, with the balance held by the parent company.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The nationality of the parent company is inconsequential.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Earlier this month, it ocially merged with its parent company.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Its parent company recently announced operating losses of 44.2m a year.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The parent company is worth its 80m net assets in 2013-14.