donor

noun

do·​nor ˈdō-nər How to pronounce donor (audio)
-ˌnȯr
Synonyms of donornext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The endorsements demonstrate the credibility Nixon has cultivated with fellow Democrats in Florida, even as donors flock toward Vindman. — Shauna Muckle, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 Shannon Watts, the former leader of Moms Demand Action and a member of the DNC’s finance committee in 2024, criticized Martin’s lack of communication with donors and key stakeholders. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Su has long been a major figure in San Gabriel Valley as a political donor, philanthropist and a promoter of cultural exchanges between China and the United States. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Interest groups play an outsize role in national elections, politicians spend their time on calls with wealthy donors instead of meeting constituents and parties increasingly focus on themselves rather than average Americans. — Susan Ostermann, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for donor

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of donor was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing donor

Rhymes for donor

See All Rhymes for donor

Browse Nearby Words

Donnybrook
donor
donor card
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Cite this Entry

“Donor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donor. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

donor

noun
do·​nor ˈdō-nər How to pronounce donor (audio)
-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 How to pronounce donor (audio) -ˌnȯ(ə)r How to pronounce donor (audio)
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 How to pronounce donor (audio)
: one that gives, donates, grants, or confers something
specifically : settlor

More from Merriam-Webster on donor

Nglish: Translation of donor for Spanish Speakers

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