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

Those services might include providing an easy way for nonprofits to raise funds, conduct online events and access clear records on donations; as well as provide the best encryption to protect donors’ data. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

Athletic departments, donors, and media have placed several top names into daily rumor cycles, including Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin, Oregon's Dan Lanning, Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, and notably, USC's Lincoln Riley. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

The shelter recently lost a donor, forcing it to halt a program that distributed pet food to around 200 families each month. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025

Tina Shah, meanwhile, has raised more money from donors in a single quarter than any other Democrat in her district. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025

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