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

• 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

Too many fundraisers have never learned how to lead a donor through an investment-level conversation and a solicitation. —Sherry Quam Taylor, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

In June, the Royal Charity Polo Cup cut ties with a donor who had reportedly attempted to sell private access to the Prince and Princess of Wales for $27,000. —Logan Holland, People.com, 11 July 2025

Another donor lauded the foundation for its work in the local community amid turmoil. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 11 July 2025

Ackman is known for his philanthropy and was a longtime donor to Democratic organizations and candidates but endorsed President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 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