donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər 

-ˌnȯr

1

: one that gives, donates, or presents something

2

: one used as a source of biological material (such as blood or an organ)

3

a

: a compound capable of giving up a part (such as an atom, chemical group, or subatomic particle) for combination with an acceptor

b

: an impurity added to a semiconductor to increase the number of mobile electrons

Synonyms of donor

• donator
• benefactor
• contributor
• patron

Examples of donor in a Sentence

The money was raised from individual donors.

She is one of the charity's major donors.

Recent Examples on the Web

This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network that includes Maryland Matters, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. —Kevin Hardy, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026

Dark money refers to political contributions flowing to certain nonprofit organizations whose donors do not have to be publicly identified. —Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026

Dehghani-Tafti has received significant campaign funding from political action committees bankrolled by Democratic mega donor George Soros. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026

The program is generously supported by the Chapman University College of Performing Arts and Segerstrom Center for the Arts, with additional support from Arts Orange County and individual donors. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English donoure, from Anglo-French doneur, from Latin donator, from donare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing donor

• donor card
• sperm donor
• universal donor

Rhymes for donor

• kroner
• kronor
• loner
• owner
• stoner
• toner
• homeowner
• landowner
• shipowner

Kids Definition

donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər 

-ˌnȯr

1

: one that donates

2

: one used as a source of bodily material or parts

a blood donor

a kidney donor

Medical Definition

donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər  -ˌnȯ(ə)r 

1

: one used as a source of biological material (as blood or an organ)

2

: a compound capable of giving up a part (as an atom, chemical group, or elementary particle) for combination with an acceptor

Legal Definition

donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər, -ˌnȯr 

: one that gives, donates, grants, or confers something

specifically : settlor