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.
Flaks comments on the details of the new tower came in an interview with The Courant prior to a public announcement Saturday at Hartford HealthCare’s annual Black & Red Gala fundraiser, the hospital’s largest of the year. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 Most of journalism’s top players were in attendance at the annual fundraiser event. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026 That’s almost ten times the amount raised by Mahan, the second-highest fundraiser in the race. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 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, 25 Apr. 2026 Naperville resident Saily Joshi was recognized at the Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual fundraiser for years of service to the orchestra. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 The naming contest also served as a fundraiser. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 The luncheon is a fundraiser for the Anaheim Community Foundation, which supports nonprofits and programs across the city. Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026 Klein Oak High School and the organizer of the fundraiser did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 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 Apr. 2026.

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