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 of endowment

• talent
• gift
• aptitude
• knack

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

To support its ambitions, Le Large operates on a hybrid model, combining a nonprofit association that has an endowment fund and a commercial entity responsible for venue rentals and private events. — Sarah Belmont For Artnews, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

A little more than half of the endowment is in private investments and a little less than half is in public markets, Lee said. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

In 1920, the trustees of Berea College, a private liberal arts school in Kentucky, passed a resolution placing future unrestricted bequests, donations made through people’s estates, in the school’s endowment. — Genevieve Shaker, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

The Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) revealed a new endowment to support the collection of works by women artists at an event on October 5. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 Oct. 2026

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