1
: one that gives, donates, or presents something
2
: one used as a source of biological material (such as blood or an organ)
3
a
: a compound capable of giving up a part (such as an atom, chemical group, or subatomic particle) for combination with an acceptor
b
: an impurity added to a semiconductor to increase the number of mobile electrons
Synonyms
Examples of donor in a Sentence
The money was raised from individual donors.
She is one of the charity's major donors.
Recent Examples on the Web
While there have long been rumblings that Casey DeSantis would one day run for office, the prospect of that happening became more tenable during a Palm Beach County donor event last week where the plan was discussed as a possible reality in 2026, NBC News reported.
—
Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025
Yet despite not being able to receive organs, undocumented individuals account for approximately 3.3% of the deceased organ donor pool.
—Christine Lopez, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2025
Many sperm banks now provide clients with information on donors’ handedness.
—Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025
Through the program, Christensen received a matching kidney donor granting her the opportunity to lead a normal life.
—Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for donor 
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Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025
Yet despite not being able to receive organs, undocumented individuals account for approximately 3.3% of the deceased organ donor pool.
—Christine Lopez, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2025
Many sperm banks now provide clients with information on donors’ handedness.
—Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025
Through the program, Christensen received a matching kidney donor granting her the opportunity to lead a normal life.
—Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for donor
Dictionary Entries Near donor
Cite this Entry
“Donor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donor. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
donor
noun
do·nor
ˈdō-nər 
-ˌnȯr
1
: one that donates
2
: one used as a source of bodily material or parts
a blood donor
a kidney donor
Medical Definition
Legal Definition
donor
noun
do·nor
ˈdō-nər, -ˌnȯr
: one that gives, donates, grants, or confers something
specifically
: settlor
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