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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To make up for an anticipated shortfall in corporate dollars this year, Cincinnati Pride launched a crowdfunding campaign and celebrated meeting its goal of receiving $50,000 in individual donations in early June. Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Scheller said a crowdfunding campaign is being launched to raise $150,000 and buy a complete prisoner uniform to add to the collection. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025 Courtesy Kimberly Noriega Hyperlocal grassroots organizations like Siempre Unidos LA began sharing the image, and soon a crowdfunding campaign for Lozano and his family hit its goal of $6,000 to cover their legal fees and living expenses. Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 29 June 2025 In late April, a friend launched a crowdfunding campaign to help Fry cover some of the costs. Renuka Rayasam, NPR, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for crowdfunding

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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Crowdfunding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crowdfunding. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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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