crowdfunding
noun
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Crowdsourcing and crowdfunding are two words that have recently found their way into the crowded pool of English. Crowdsourcing, which typically refers to the practice of soliciting services, ideas, or content from a large group of people online, was coined by Jeff Howe in a 2006 article in Wired, and crowdfunding was created by entrepreneur Michael Sullivan in that same year. Both words conceptualize "the crowd" as a vast online community from which something needed may be obtained. In crowdsourcing, the crowd is called upon for needed assistance or information. A well-known use of crowdsourcing is Wikipedia, whose content is the result of various contributors. Crowdfunding, on the other hand, involves a more specific request: the crowd is solicited for financial contributions to a particular venture or cause, such as a film project or cancer research.
Examples of crowdfunding in a Sentence
Sara Smith, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024
One example featured in the report was a crowdfunding campaign by the Martinez family in Los Angeles, who said they were unexpectedly told to vacate their apartment of 37 years.
—Doha Madani, NBC News, 18 Dec. 2024
The top fundraising campaign on crowdfunding platform GoFundMe in 2024 reflects what has been a major pain point for millions of Americans: inflation.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 17 Dec. 2024
During the crowdfunding campaign, which at the time of publishing still had 50 days to go, Looktech AI Glasses start at US$209 (40% off the $349 MSRP) and come with a charging cable, cleaning cloth, manual and carry case.
—New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for crowdfunding 
Dictionary Entries Near crowdfunding
Cite this Entry
“Crowdfunding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crowdfunding. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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