# fund

/ˈfənd/ (US) · /fˈʌnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fund
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a sum of money

noun · CEFR B1

an amount of money that is kept for a particular purpose.

For teachers: a reserve of money set aside for a specific objective or contingency.

- The school started a fund to buy new computers for the library.
- The emergency fund was established to ensure the charity could continue its operations even during periods of reduced public donations.

### 2. investment vehicle

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a company or service that manages money for many people to invest it.

For teachers: a financial organization or collective investment scheme, such as a mutual fund or pension fund.

- He decided to put his savings into a low-risk index fund.
- The hedge fund manager faced intense scrutiny after the portfolio's value dropped significantly during the market downturn.

### 3. a large supply

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a large amount of something useful that you can use when needed.

For teachers: a metaphorical store or abundant supply of a non-monetary resource.

- The professor has a deep fund of knowledge about ancient history.
- Her long career in diplomacy provided her with a vast fund of anecdotes that she used to charm her guests at dinner.

### 4. to provide money

verb · CEFR B2

to provide the money needed for a project, person, or organization.

For teachers: to provide capital or financial backing for a specific venture or entity. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The government agreed to fund the construction of the new highway.
- The research project was primarily funded by a private grant from a technological foundation interested in renewable energy.

## Examples

- The school started a fund to build a new library.
- The government established a disaster relief fund to help families affected by the recent floods.
- The university's endowment fund provides scholarships for students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential but lack the necessary financial means to attend.

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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.