benefactor

noun

ben·​e·​fac·​tor ˈbe-nə-ˌfak-tər How to pronounce benefactor (audio)
: someone or something that provides help or an advantage : one that confers a benefit
a benefactor of humankind
especially : a person who makes a gift or bequest
His endowments … placed him high among the benefactors of the convent. Jane Austen
a wealthy benefactor

Did you know?

A benefactor may be involved in almost any field. One may endow a scholarship fund; another may give money to expand a library; still another may leave a generous sum to a hospital in her will. The famous benefactions of John D. Rockefeller included the gifts that established the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Rockefeller University. Many benefactors have reported that giving away their money turned out to be the most rewarding thing they ever did.

Examples of benefactor in a Sentence

With the help of a rich benefactor he set up a charity. an anonymous benefactor gave the school a dozen new computers
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.
Advocacy groups argue the NPS is not a drag on the federal taxpayer but is instead a benefactor. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Chief among his benefactors was American wax sculptor and undercover spy, Patience Wright who lived and worked in London. Time, 9 July 2025 As a leading benefactor of terrorists across the globe, the Iranian regime has the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands. Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 Yale Divinity School’s curriculum often prioritizes social justice over biblical exegesis, a shift that would likely dismay its benefactors. The Rev. Jake Dell, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for benefactor

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Benefactor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefactor. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

benefactor

noun
bene·​fac·​tor
ˈben-ə-ˌfak-tər
: one who helps another especially by giving money

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