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
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
Four of them were gifted to the Asian Art Museum by a major donor.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Jan. 2025
While her tenure as governor of South Dakota focused on rural and agricultural priorities, her support for deploying National Guard troops to the southern border—funded by a private donor—cemented her reputation as a Trump loyalist.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Coinbase was one of the leading corporate donors in the 2024 election cycle.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2025
Neighbors for a Better California plans to distribute yard signs and pamphlets to potential donors across the coast.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for donor
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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
Time Traveler
The first known use of donor was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing donor
Dictionary Entries Near donor
Cite this Entry
“Donor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donor. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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
Legal Definition
donor
noun
do·nor
ˈdō-nər, -ˌnȯr
: one that gives, donates, grants, or confers something
specifically
: settlor
More from Merriam-Webster on donor
Nglish: Translation of donor for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of donor for Arabic Speakers
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