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

SpaceX’s record-breaking initial public offering in June has boosted returns for college endowments that made investments through venture capital firms, sometimes more than a decade ago. — Janet Lorin, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Yet by selectivity, Ozarks ranks as the tenth most selective baccalaureate college in the country — outpacing schools with far larger endowments and far louder name recognition. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Its operating agreement with the city ended last year and a judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking GLAZA from retaining or distributing the endowment fund. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Lehigh University is a selective Pennsylvania institution with a national reputation and a $2 billion endowment. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Aug. 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