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.

What was once a niche institutional strategy has become a significant allocation in endowment, pension, and family office portfolios, and the asset class is increasingly accessible to high-net-worth individual investors through new structures. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 But this anniversary year, the endowment has placed a particular emphasis on national pride. — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 10 July 2026 That includes the building, exhibits, campus, and operating endowment. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 July 2026 For smaller private colleges that are tuition dependent and lack substantial and accessible endowments, even a modest reduction in enrollment could prove calamitous. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Endowment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endowment. Accessed 14 Jul. 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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