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

• 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 the face of declining new student enrollment, Duval said the university should instead focus on beefing up its endowment and attracting undergraduates. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025

According to a spokesperson, Situational Awareness LP has global investors, including West Coast founders, family offices, institutions, and endowments. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

Still, advocates insist that HBCUs struggle with funding and their endowments are significantly smaller than predominately White institutions. —Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025

Margin-sensitivity refers to being focused on fees and net cost efficiency — institutions like pensions and endowments often negotiate hard on management fees, performance fees, and deal terms. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

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