fundraiser

noun

fund·​rais·​er ˈfənd-ˌrā-zər How to pronounce fundraiser (audio)
variants or less commonly fund-raiser
plural fundraisers also fund-raisers
1
: a person employed to raise funds (as for an institution or political cause)
a talented fundraiser
… hired not only for his popularity with the other scientists but for his proven abilities as a fundraiser.James Shreeve
2
: a social event (such as a cocktail party) held for the purpose of raising funds
… he gained recognition by throwing a posh fundraiser for President Jimmy Carter.James Ridgeway

Examples of fundraiser in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the end of the day, the fundraiser raised $6,268. Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026 Now, Arthaus is slowly reopening, thanks to fundraisers and charity auctions that have helped the space build back. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Jan. 2026 Dallas City Council member Chad West has canceled a political fundraiser hosted by developer Ray Washburne amid questions about a potential conflict tied to Washburne’s push to relocate City Hall. Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026 Jon Ossoff is far-and-away this cycle’s biggest fundraiser, hauling in $54 million for the cycle and showing no signs of slowing. Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Jan. 2026 If commissioners decide to cut some of SCAC’s funding, or redirect some of the money now used for administrative expenses toward art programs, the organization may have to hold more fundraisers. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026 The fundraiser, run by a charity that Aaron supports called Veterans Aid Network, says Aaron has a blood infection the doctors are trying to treat. Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026 There were tears, cheers, a few standing ovations (for Michelle Satter and Amy Redford), a surprise performance by Patti LuPone, and a slew of awards presented during a nearly three-hour fundraiser held at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026 Some of that money has instead been used to pay for lavish fundraisers and travel, or for campaign giving after a lawmaker leaves office and becomes a lobbyist. Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fundraiser was in 1881

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Cite this Entry

“Fundraiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundraiser. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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