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.
Experts warn that fewer big donors—or big donors giving less—would place a larger burden on middle-class givers to bridge a gap that isn’t realistic as financial pressures for less-wealthy households increase. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 In addition to individual sponsors, the program benefits from corporate and nonprofit donors. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 If the Legislature rolls over on this, why wouldn’t every other coastal developer line up and ask for an exemption, and will carve-outs go to the biggest campaign donors? — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 The organization created the voucher program to overcome compatibility issues between donors and recipients. — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 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

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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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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