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

Depending on the returns of the endowment, its grant cycles will fluctuate in size. —Zachery Eanes, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024

The donation includes 331 artworks and a $45 million endowment to support a new curatorial position, fund ongoing collection care, and finance the construction of a gallery wing named in Tavitian’s name, focused on European artworks. —Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2024

The university reported that the endowment closed the period with $34.1 billion, following two years of investment losses. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

These endowments provide a continuous stream of scholarship funding, with over $400,000 generated in 2023 alone. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 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