donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər How to pronounce donor (audio)
-ˌnȯr
Synonyms of donornext
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

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
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.
The $83 million purchase of four acres in Okaloosa County, bought from a donor at 10 times its original purchase price, looks like a taxpayer ripoff. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026 More women in their late 30s and 40s aren’t just choosing to become first-time mothers—some of them are also entering motherhood on their own, through IVF or donor sperm. Akilah Siti Easter, Parents, 23 Jan. 2026 Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 23 Jan. 2026 Canada has reaffirmed its role as a core immunization donor to Gavi as well, pledging US $500 M for the 2026–2030 strategic period. Sylvana Quader Sinha, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for donor

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of donor was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Donor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donor. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

donor

noun
do·​nor ˈdō-nər How to pronounce donor (audio)
-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
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
: one that gives, donates, grants, or confers something
specifically : settlor

More from Merriam-Webster on donor

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