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

Santa Clara University, with the second-largest endowment among our local universities, reported $1.47 billion in 2022. —Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 9 June 2024

That’s when the endowment enlisted Abelaye-Mateo to help the group identify its purpose and commit to it. —Sabrina Bodon, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 2024

The idea began with single request and blossomed into a $5 million endowment, now managed by the Foundation for the Carolinas. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2024

Adding to the complexity is the ongoing status of negotiations, and shifting demands as demonstrators learn about the realities of universities' diversified endowment portfolios. —Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 10 May 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