donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər 

-ˌnȯr

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 of donor

• donator
• benefactor
• contributor
• patron

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

Trump donor Eric Deters recently told The Wall Street Journal that, just months before her designation as ambassador, Guilfoyle asked him to cover her $100,000 American Express credit card bill. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026

The top contributors included Nvidia and Apple, which each gave $25 million, as did the Adelson Family Foundation and the Charlie Ergen household and donor advised fund, per the Post. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

After Comcast was identified as a donor last year, lawmakers raised concerns of the company trying to secure favorable treatment form the government related to merger reviews or enforcement actions. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

At least $77 million for the ballroom was contributed by anonymous donors, per the Washington Post report. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing donor

• donor card
• sperm donor
• universal donor

Rhymes for donor

• kroner
• kronor
• loner
• owner
• stoner
• toner
• homeowner
• landowner
• shipowner

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

donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər  -ˌnȯ(ə)r 

1

: one used as a source of biological material (as blood or an organ)

2

: a compound capable of giving up a part (as an atom, chemical group, or elementary particle) for combination with an acceptor

Legal Definition

donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər, -ˌnȯr 

: one that gives, donates, grants, or confers something

specifically : settlor