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

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

Stanford University The university’s endowment, which pays for most of its programs, grows to $37 billion, the third-largest in the nation behind Harvard’s and Yale’s, and up 8.6% a year on average over the past 10 years. —Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2024

Yes, but: Harvard avoided total calamity in large part because of its endowment, according to the latest annual financial report. —Steph Solis, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024

The Papaya model is being embraced by numerous family offices, municipalities, endowments, and third-party builders, seeking a better build solution. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 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