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

Almost all the land was in the hands of oligarchic families or in the hands of mosques, the mosque endowments, and at the emancipation of women, giving women the right to vote. —Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026

This investment will not only expand educational opportunities for generations of students but also bolster a pooled endowment fund for all 37 of our member institutions. —Ed Smith-Lewis, Fortune, 2 May 2026

Botstein did not mention Epstein by name in his retirement announcement, which touted his role in Bard’s $1 billion endowment campaign, which was completed in January. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 1 May 2026

Some might suggest universities spend more of their endowments, which can be in the billions of dollars, as a way to address financial problems, but that approach has significant limitations. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 May 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