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

In a letter to Phillips this week, Amos directed him to turn over banking and financial access, fundraising and revenue documentation, donor lists, and other records that appear to have been kept only by Phillips. —Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

Dugan said the organization has struggled for decades with inconsistent revenue and outdated financial practices, arguing that alarmist messaging is unlikely to restore donor confidence without visible internal reforms. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026

For each, Cruz gets 99%, and the eventual Senate nominee gets 1%, unless the donor manually changes the automatic split. —Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026

Brito’s mother told KDFW that her daughter had just gotten a driver’s license and opted in to become an organ donor. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 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