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

• angel
• benefactor
• donator
• fairy godmother
• Maecenas
• patron
• sugar daddy

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

Between the lines: Several sources in both parties pointed to Vice President Harris replacing President Biden atop the Democratic ticket in July, shortly into the third quarter, as a critical driver of Democratic donor excitement. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024

The world’s wealthiest university on Thursday reported receiving more than $525 million in current-use donations during fiscal year 2024, a signal of unshaken donor faith during a year of turbulence. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024

How tech titans became an influential donor class in San Francisco’s mayoral race This year’s San Francisco mayoral race could signify an ideological shift in the historically liberal city. —Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024

Elon Musk became one of the largest donors of the entire 2024 election cycle in just three months. —William Gavin, Quartz, 16 Oct. 2024

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

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