philanthropist
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of philanthropist
First recorded in 1720–30; philanthrop(y) + -ist
Explanation
A philanthropist is a person who gives money or gifts to charities, or helps needy people in other ways. Famous examples include Andrew Carnegie and Bill & Melinda Gates. In English, the -ist suffix describes a person who does a particular action. A philanthropist practices philanthropy. Philanthropists are wealthy people with a generous nature and a concern for human welfare. Philanthropy is from Late Latin philanthrōpia, from Greek, from philanthrōpos "humane, kind," from the prefix phil- plus anthrōpos "man, mankind."
Vocabulary lists containing philanthropist
All You Need is Love: Amor and Phil
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Giving Words
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We the People: Anthrop
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Annie Lennox, from Aberdeen, is a singer songwriter, political activist and philanthropist.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
A philanthropist or employer may decide to donate to the accounts at any time, meaning the child could get an unexpected contribution.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026
If even a high-profile billionaire global philanthropist is in the dark, what does that mean for the billions of women with less than a fraction of her resources?
From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2026
Also in the near view is the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, named after the billionaire investor, philanthropist and mega Republican donor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
From a little distance he had the bland aspect of a philanthropist.
From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie
His plan would leave that role to corporations and private philanthropists instead.
From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026
Meanwhile, corporations and big-name philanthropists lined up to say they would be adding money.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
The accounts are also worth having because employers and philanthropists can make contributions too.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
His wealth enabled him to become one of the largest private landowners and wealthiest philanthropists in the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026
“Here one was sure to meet scholars, philosophers, philanthropists, judges, bishops, clergymen, and statesmen,” Elizabeth wrote.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
