crowdfunding

noun

crowd·​fund·​ing ˈkrau̇d-ˌfən-diŋ 

: 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

All crowdfunding campaigns have an element of risk, but this is not the Hong Kong company's first Kickstarter – with its 2024 campaign attracting more than 700 backers and a funding pot in excess of HK$ 6 million. — New Atlas, 22 July 2026

Kiva and other crowdfunding companies created new forms of lending to microbusinesses and other small businesses. — Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Truesdale’s family is raising money for funeral expenses through GoFundMe, a crowdfunding site. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Through the equity crowdfunding and fintech platform Eyevestor, the Dutch denim brand has launched a new bond offering that gives investors an immediate return rather than requiring them to wait years for a payout. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from gerund of crowdfund

First Known Use

2007, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crowdfunding

• refunding
• funding
• underfunding

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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