Definition of 'benefactor'

Word Frequency

benefactor

(benɪfæktəʳ )

Word forms: plural benefactors

countable noun

A benefactor is a person who helps a person or organization by giving them money.

In his old age he became a benefactor of the arts. [+ of]

Synonyms: supporter, friend, champion, defender More Synonyms of benefactor

Video: pronunciation of 'benefactor'

Word Frequency

benefactor in British

(ˈbɛnɪˌfæktə , ˌbɛnɪˈfæk-)

noun

a person who supports or helps a person, institution, etc, esp by giving money; patron

Derived forms

benefactress (ˈbeneˌfactress)

feminine noun

Word Frequency

benefactor in American

(ˈbɛnəˌfæktər ; benˈəfakˌtər)

noun

a person who has given help, esp. financial help; patron

Word origin of 'benefactor'

ME < LL: see benefaction

Example sentences containing 'benefactor'

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The manager would be forgiven for wondering what kind of billionaire benefactor he is working for. Times, Sunday Times (2008) Wealthy benefactors had signalled their readiness to pay for her release. Times, Sunday Times (2006)So who exactly are our new wealthy benefactors? Times, Sunday Times (2008)Unless another rich benefactor was found the club would go under. Times, Sunday Times (2009)They match rich benefactors with suitable projects. Times, Sunday Times (2010)The house was invariably crammed with rich benefactors and potential donors. Times, Sunday Times (2007)It would be especially good if they had a celebration of the birth of their great benefactor. Christianity Today (2000)The family has been a generous benefactor to charity. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The second part of the name honours an anonymous benefactor of the research team. Times, Sunday Times (2006)An anonymous benefactor has pledged to match all funds raised. Times, Sunday Times (2011)The days of the club being owned by a wealthy local benefactor have been surpassed by billionaire owners from around the globe. The Sun (2011)He was born in Genoa and a wealthy benefactor helped him to pursue his studies. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Costa is a typical benefactor of the great British coffee rush. Times, Sunday Times (2013)He was one of the country's most colourful businessmen and generous benefactors. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Anonymous benefactor offers 20,000 reward for information. The Sun (2011)An anonymous benefactor pledged 10,000 to pay her international student fees. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Trustees were walking a tightrope by striving to curb profiteering while keeping generous benefactors happy, she added. Times, Sunday Times (2012)As long as his team are performing, there will be little pressure from fans for a takeover from a rich benefactor. Times, Sunday Times (2009)I'm just looking for a pretty generous benefactor to make it happen. The Sun (2010)In the programme, rich benefactors say goodbye to their luxury lifestyles and go undercover in deprived areas to find organisations that need their help. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Indeed, the latter is now one of the academy's most generous benefactors. Times, Sunday Times (2011)The emergence of the mystery benefactor came'out of the blue '. Times, Sunday Times (2010)He was a generous benefactor to oncology research in the UK and abroad, and directly funded many medical students. Times, Sunday Times (2011)