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

• aptitude
• bent
• faculty
• flair
• genius
• gift
• head
• knack
• talent

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

Big investors—corporations, pension funds, endowments—are starting to treat Bitcoin as a legitimate part of a diversified portfolio. —Frank Holmes, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

One of the projects will receive the Next Step Hildegarde Prize which comprises a cash endowment and an invitation to participate in Cannes in 2025. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024

The remaining proceeds are being used to establish a permanent endowment to provide annual grant distributions to social ministries that provide vital services across the Archdiocese of Hartford. —Karen Gross and Renée Santos, Hartford Courant, 28 Nov. 2024

The endowment, which was established when New Mexico became a state in 1912, is funded by taxes on revenue from nonrenewable resources, mainly oil and gas reserves. —Maya Huter, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024

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