endowment

noun

en·​dow·​ment in-ˈdau̇-mənt 

en-

1

: the act or process of endowing

2

: something that is endowed

specifically : the part of an institution's income derived from donations

3

: natural capacity, power, or ability

a person of great intellectual endowment

Synonyms of endowment

• talent
• gift
• aptitude
• knack

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

Yet the overall foundation response to the current crisis continues to be much less robust than during the pandemic, even as endowments have generally grown in recent years due to the strong stock market. — Phil Buchanan, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

The idea has been controversial in education circles and at Yale, where the university’s endowment is estimated at $44 billion. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 23 Sep. 2026

In 2025, the foundation dipped into its endowment in order to hand out $135 million. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026

Unlike other treatments, though, kitchen sessions are all offered free of charge, thanks to a special endowment. — Hope Hodge Deck, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

endowment

noun

en·​dow·​ment in-ˈdau̇-mənt 

1

: the providing of a permanent fund for support

also : the fund provided

a college's endowment

2

: a person's natural ability

Legal Definition

endowment

noun

en·​dow·​ment

1

: the act or process of endowing

2

: a result or product of endowing: as

a

: the income of an institution derived from donations

the university's ability to attract endowment

b

: the property (as a fund) donated to an institution or organization that is invested and producing income

an endowment to maintain the gallery

3

: an endowed organization or institution : foundation

chairwoman of the state's arts endowment

4

: endowment insurance