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

Through permanent endowments at 29 HBCUs nationwide, Diageo is investing in the future of Black education. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 Oct. 2024

Lower the corporate income tax rate to 15% for companies that manufacture products in the U.S. Tax large private university endowments. —Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024

Many presidents find themselves in situations without large endowments, or with problems that can’t be solved by wealthy donors. —Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Oct. 2024

The university has spent $14.3 billion from its endowment over that decade—in fiscal 2024, endowment distributions totaled $2 billion. —Emma Whitford, Forbes, 25 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