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

The idea has been controversial in education circles and at Yale, where the university’s endowment is estimated at $44 billion. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 23 Sep. 2026

In 2025, the foundation dipped into its endowment in order to hand out $135 million. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026

Unlike other treatments, though, kitchen sessions are all offered free of charge, thanks to a special endowment. — Hope Hodge Deck, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Per the plan, the gift amount will establish an endowment designed to support the program in perpetuity, thereby benefiting generations of students. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 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