donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər 

-ˌnȯr

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

• angel
• benefactor
• donator
• fairy godmother
• Maecenas
• patron
• sugar daddy

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

Miami Herald Lauren Costantino is a religion reporter for the Miami Herald funded with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025

Three other patients also received organs from the donor. —Randi Richardson, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025

House Republicans in recent days have been calling donors to help fill in the gaps, according to three sources with knowledge. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2025

The cuts and changes come as Musk, the world's wealthiest man and top Trump donor, has been tasked with making broad cuts across the federal government via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English donoure, from Anglo-French doneur, from Latin donator, from donare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing donor

• donor card
• sperm donor
• universal donor

Rhymes for donor

• kroner
• kronor
• loner
• owner
• stoner
• toner
• homeowner
• landowner
• shipowner

Kids 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

donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər  -ˌnȯ(ə)r 

1

: one used as a source of biological material (as blood or an organ)

2

: a compound capable of giving up a part (as an atom, chemical group, or elementary particle) for combination with an acceptor

Legal Definition

donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər, -ˌnȯr 

: one that gives, donates, grants, or confers something

specifically : settlor