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

Musk was also Trump's biggest campaign donor in 2024 and has used his social media platform X as a megaphone for conservative causes. —Brian Mann, NPR, 7 June 2025

Also interviewed: former KU coach Roy Williams, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, Vanderbilt heart surgeon Ashish Shah, Vanderbilt cardiologist Jonathan Menachem, Sacramento Kings teammate Bobby Jackson, several members of the family of Scot’s heart donor, Casey Angell, and others. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025

David Campos, vice chair of California Democrats, lamented that while other candidates actually showed up to the conference and engaged with voters and donors, fundraising remains stuck pending Harris’ decision. —Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 5 June 2025

Mamdani accused Cuomo of caring more about billionaires and corporations than New Yorkers, later reiterating past attacks he’s made accusing Cuomo of being funded by donors to President Trump. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 June 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