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.
An online fundraiser had brought in about $30,000 by Tuesday to assist Meadows' family, including his three sons, and pay for funeral costs and other expenses. ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026 Campaign contributions flowed from its founders and board to Republican candidates each cycle, although Jones once held fundraisers for President Barack Obama and often donated to both parties. Michael Adno, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026 Proceeds from the event, one of the Historical Society’s key fundraisers, go toward its free public programs, school tours and preservation of its Wisteria Cottage gallery. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 The fundraiser said donations would help cover funeral and burial costs and support DeWitt’s family. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026 The team launched a fundraiser to cover flights, hotels, tournament fees and meals, making sure every player gets the chance to compete. Nick Caloway, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026 This event marks the 21st anniversary of the promotion, which also serves as a fundraiser. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Mar. 2026 The nonprofit development group will host a groundbreaking event on Arbor Day as a fundraiser for the project. Neal Franklin, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026 That fundraiser will be the organization’s third but the first in Aurora, according to Thompson. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 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 5 Mar. 2026.

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