plural endowments
1
a
: a large amount of money that has been given to a school, hospital, etc., and that is used to pay for its creation and continuing support
The hospital's endowment was established by a local family.
The college has a large endowment.
an endowment fund
b
: the act of providing money to create or support a school, organization, etc.
the endowment of a hospital wing
generous endowments
2
: a person's natural ability or talent
an athlete's physical endowments
Cite this Entry
“Endowment.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/endowment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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