beneficiary

American  

[ben-uh-fish-ee-er-ee, -fish-uh-ree] / ˌbɛn əˈfɪʃ iˌɛr i, -ˈfɪʃ ə ri /

noun

plural

beneficiaries

1. a person or group that receives benefits, profits, or advantages.

2. a person designated as the recipient of funds or other property under a will, trust, insurance policy, etc.

3. Ecclesiastical. the holder of a benefice.

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beneficiary British  

/ ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃərɪ /

noun

1. a person who gains or benefits in some way from something

2. law a person entitled to receive funds or other property under a trust, will, or insurance policy

3. the holder of an ecclesiastical or other benefice

4. a person who receives government assistance

   social security beneficiary

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adjective

1. of or relating to a benefice or the holder of a benefice

beneficiary Cultural  

1. The recipient of funds, property, or other benefits from an insurance policy, will, trust, or other settlement.

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Other Word Forms

• prebeneficiary noun

Etymology

Origin of beneficiary

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin beneficiārius, from benefici(um) benefice + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

“For midstream in particular, we view exports as the primary beneficiary and direct price exposure benefits more muted,” he says in a report.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I’m the beneficiary of birthright citizenship three times over.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

One potential beneficiary is hospital operator HCA Healthcare, which has historically grown revenue by 4% to 6% a year.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

For example, the primary beneficiary of an IRA might be the spouse, but the form would also name children as secondary beneficiaries and perhaps grandchildren after that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

In 1974 I published an essay admitting unease over becoming the beneficiary of affirmative action.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

• heir
• recipient