Definition

Noun: 1. A person or organization that gives something, especially money or goods, to help a person or cause. This is the most common meaning. A donor provides a voluntary contribution, typically to support a charity, institution, or individual in need. 2. (Medicine/Biology) An individual who provides blood, tissue, or an organ for transplantation or transfusion to another person (the recipient). This refers to a biological gift for medical purposes.

Usage

The word "donor" is used to identify the source of a gift or contribution. It is often followed by the preposition "to" (donor to an organization) or "of" (donor of blood). In medical contexts, it is frequently paired with the type of donation (e.g., blood donor, organ donor).

Examples

• General Meaning:
  • The museum received a large painting from an anonymous donor.
  • She is a regular donor to several environmental charities.
• Medical/Biological Meaning:
  • He registered as an organ donor on his driver's license.
  • The hospital is urgently seeking a blood donor with a rare type.

Advanced Usage

• Donor-advised fund: A charitable giving account administered by a public charity. The donor contributes to the fund and can then recommend grants to other charities over time.
  • They manage their philanthropy through a donor-advised fund.
• Donor fatigue: A situation where potential donors become less willing to contribute to charitable causes, often due to being asked too frequently.
  • The constant fundraising appeals have led to significant donor fatigue.

Variants and Related Words

• Donate (verb): To give something, especially money or goods, for a good cause.
  • They decided to donate their old furniture to the shelter.
• Donation (noun): Something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money.
  • We are grateful for your generous donation.
• Donor card (noun): A card carried by someone to indicate their willingness to have their organs used for transplantation after death.
  • Do you carry a donor card?

Synonyms

• Giver: A person who gives something.
• Contributor: A person who donates money or resources.
• Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause (often implies significant or long-term support).
• Philanthropist: A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.

Antonyms

• Recipient: A person who receives something.
• Beneficiary: A person who derives advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy.

Phrases and Collocations

• Major donor: A person or organization that gives a very large amount of money.
  • The new library wing was funded by a major donor.
• Anonymous donor: A donor whose name is not revealed.
  • The scholarship was established by an anonymous donor.
• Universal donor: In blood typing, a person with type O negative blood, whose red blood cells can be transfused to people of any blood type.
  • Type O negative individuals are considered universal donors.

Noun

1. (medicine) someone who gives blood or tissue or an organ to be used in another person (the host)
2. person who makes a gift of property