endowment

noun

en·​dow·​ment in-ˈdau̇-mənt 

en-

1

: the act or process of endowing

2

: something that is endowed

specifically : the part of an institution's income derived from donations

3

: natural capacity, power, or ability

a person of great intellectual endowment

Synonyms of endowment

• talent
• gift
• aptitude
• knack

Examples of endowment in a Sentence

The hospital's endowment was established by a local family.

The college has a large endowment.

the endowment of a hospital wing

Recent Examples on the Web

In an industry whose lifeblood is fresh capital, there are simply too many funds and not enough dollars in pensions, endowments and other institutions to satisfy all of them. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Small colleges’ endowments could also be attacked, even if the schools are never targeted specifically. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026

The winner will be selected from eight finalists, who will each receive a 10,000-euro endowment, in November by a jury of fashion industry professionals. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026

Direct support is defined as funds for tuition, federal work study support and endowment income. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

endowment

noun

en·​dow·​ment in-ˈdau̇-mənt 

1

: the providing of a permanent fund for support

also : the fund provided

a college's endowment

2

: a person's natural ability

Legal Definition

endowment

noun

en·​dow·​ment

1

: the act or process of endowing

2

: a result or product of endowing: as

a

: the income of an institution derived from donations

the university's ability to attract endowment

b

: the property (as a fund) donated to an institution or organization that is invested and producing income

an endowment to maintain the gallery

3

: an endowed organization or institution : foundation

chairwoman of the state's arts endowment

4

: endowment insurance