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

In his mind, the key will be growing HBCU endowments. —Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 21 Mar. 2026

Speaking in favor of the appointment, Merrill Gay, of the CT Early Childhood Alliance, called Trueworthy uniquely qualified to lead the effort to implement the new early childhood endowment, a considerably complex project in which she has been involved in the long term. —Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026

The endowment worried the tower could fall into disrepair under CapRadio’s stewardship and sought to donate it to KVIE, an organization that endowment board members believed could appropriately maintain the tower. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Agrace has an endowment to help offset costs for people who cannot cover the full expense. —Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 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