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

Over the past five years, the endowment has gone up by about $7 million. — Sarah Douglas, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Lawrence, who has represented Dior since 2012, will present the grand prize, which comes with a cash endowment of 400,000 euros and mentorship by the French luxury conglomerate’s teams. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Funds from the endowment were distributed to Arkansas charities and nonprofit organizations. — Dylan Sherman, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026

Running out of cash on hand is the clearest indicator that a college is at high risk of closure, Kelchen added, while consistent operating losses, enrollment declines, and large withdrawals from endowments can also signal distress. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 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