endowment

noun

en·dow·ment in-ˈdau̇-mənt

en-

Synonyms of endowment

: the act or process of endowing

: something that is endowed

specifically : the part of an institution's income derived from donations

: natural capacity, power, or ability

a person of great intellectual endowment

Examples of endowment in a Sentence

The hospital's endowment was established by a local family. The college has a large endowment. the endowment of a hospital wing

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In 2011, Drexel University acquired the academy and manages its endowment. — Lili Mei Granda Argianas, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026 Since the Israel-Hamas war began, pro-Palestinian protesters have demanded that the University of Michigan’s endowment stop investing in companies with ties to Israel. — Ed White, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 The World Monuments Fund has raised $62 million, tripling its endowment and beating its fundraising goal eighteen months ahead of schedule. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026 Each of the eight finalists will receive a 10,000-euro endowment to support the next step in their career. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endowment

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of endowment was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

endow

endowment

endoxerosis

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Endowment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endowment. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

endowment

noun

en·dow·ment in-ˈdau̇-mənt

: the providing of a permanent fund for support

also : the fund provided

a college's endowment

: a person's natural ability

Legal Definition

endowment

noun

en·dow·ment

: the act or process of endowing

: a result or product of endowing: as

: the income of an institution derived from donations

the university's ability to attract endowment

: the property (as a fund) donated to an institution or organization that is invested and producing income

an endowment to maintain the gallery

: an endowed organization or institution : foundation

chairwoman of the state's arts endowment

: endowment insurance

endowment

noun

Synonyms of endowment

Examples of endowment in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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