crowdfunding

noun

crowd·​fund·​ing ˈkrau̇d-ˌfən-diŋ How to pronounce crowdfunding (audio)
: the practice of obtaining needed funding (as for a new business) by soliciting contributions from a large number of people especially from the online community

Did you know?

Crowdsourcing and crowdfunding are two words that have recently found their way into the crowded pool of English. Crowdsourcing, which typically refers to the practice of soliciting services, ideas, or content from a large group of people online, was coined by Jeff Howe in a 2006 article in Wired, and crowdfunding was created by entrepreneur Michael Sullivan in that same year. Both words conceptualize "the crowd" as a vast online community from which something needed may be obtained. In crowdsourcing, the crowd is called upon for needed assistance or information. A well-known use of crowdsourcing is Wikipedia, whose content is the result of various contributors. Crowdfunding, on the other hand, involves a more specific request: the crowd is solicited for financial contributions to a particular venture or cause, such as a film project or cancer research.

Examples of crowdfunding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The idea is that each company will have a crowdfunding round. Trevor Clawson, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Advocates now say that many of the entities involved in the crowdfunding operation could face sanctions. Julia Frankel, The Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2024 In its most basic form, crowdfunding — gathering small gifts for a cause or to help someone — isn't new. Thalia Beaty, Quartz, 6 Feb. 2024 The proposal also clarifies that state programs should not claw back money victims receive from crowdfunding sources such as GoFundMe among other changes. Claudia Lauer The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 6 Feb. 2024 Resorting to GoFundMe when faced with bills has become so accepted that in some cases, patient advocates and hospital financial-aid officers recommend crowdfunding as an alternative to being sent to collections. Elisabeth Rosenthal, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2024 Hackel didn't know how much a new facility would cost as the space needs assessment is just starting, but the county would use crowdfunding to find donors to help pay for a new facility. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 18 Jan. 2024 Resorting to GoFundMe when faced with bills has become so accepted that, in some cases, patient advocates and hospital financial aid officers recommend crowdfunding as an alternative to being sent to collections. Elisabeth Rosenthal, Fortune Well, 13 Feb. 2024 Benefits for Investors Investors in Brookwood Estates through crowdfunding platforms can enjoy several benefits. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crowdfunding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from gerund of crowdfund

First Known Use

2007, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crowdfunding was in 2007

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Dictionary Entries Near crowdfunding

Cite this Entry

“Crowdfunding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crowdfunding. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crowdfunding

noun
crowd·​fund·​ing
ˈkrau̇d-ˌfən-diŋ
: the practice of obtaining funding (as for a new business) by seeking contributions from a large group of people and especially from the online community
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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