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

But things that worked 50 or 60 years ago, the endowments to do the science back then, are not the same as now with expensive and sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment and a more complex infrastructure. — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Andrew Carnegie gave away nearly 90% of his fortune, building more than 2,500 libraries and an enduring peace endowment. — Douglas P. McCormick, Fortune, 23 June 2026

At stake is a nearly $50 million endowment that each side claims is theirs. — Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

The college’s endowment stands at $137 million, a figure Murley hopes to increase. — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 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