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

Iron ore, gold, potash, and phosphates are the minerals whose value are the largest contributors to Africa’s undeveloped endowment. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Proceeds from the event will go to an endowment to support the new beverage management studies building now being built at the North Campus. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

While Harvard has over $350 million invested in crypto ETFs, this constitutes less than 1% of its $57 billion endowment. —Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026

During his tenure, enrollment more than doubled, the endowment mushroomed and the campus expanded. —ABC News, 18 Feb. 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