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

Grenell said that if ticket sales won't cover a program, it won't be confirmed unless the cost shortfall is covered by a sponsor or donor. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025

Orbán, who leads the Fidesz party, has also been accused of using antisemitic tropes, namely through campaigns citing Hungarian-American financier George Soros—a Democratic donor and philanthropist who has often been the subject of conspiracy theories—for domestic purposes. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

The apparent separation between the political and philanthropic arms of the former Arabella network may be an effort to lull donors like Gates back into the fold. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2025

Michel obtained over $120 million from Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho - also known as Jho Low - and steered some of that money through straw donors to Obama's campaign. —NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

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