# benefactor

/ˈbɛnəˌfæktɝ/ (US) · /bˈɛnɪfˌæktɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/benefactor
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a person who gives money or other help to a person or an organization like a school or charity.

For teachers: a person who confers a benefit; specifically, one who provides financial or material assistance to an individual or institution.

## Examples

- The museum was built with money from a wealthy benefactor.
- An anonymous benefactor donated five million dollars to the university to fund new medical research.
- While the artist struggled for years in poverty, the intervention of a generous benefactor allowed him to focus entirely on his masterpiece without financial worry.

## Usage notes

- Often used in formal contexts or when discussing philanthropy and historical patronage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.