philanthropist

[fi-lan-thruh-pist]

noun

1. a person, typically a wealthy one, who has an altruistic concern for human welfare and shows it by donating money, property, time, or work to aid people in need or to support institutions that serve the public.

   In his private life he was a major philanthropist who spent over $2 billion on causes ranging from education to healthcare.

Other Word Forms

• philanthropistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of philanthropist¹

First recorded in 1720–30; philanthrop(y) + -ist

Example Sentences

Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker who lives in L.A.’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, would become the first serious challenger to Bass, who is running for her second and final term.

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Along with a volunteer medical army of doctors and researchers, and with funding from billionaire philanthropist Christy Walton, they are analyzing the latest data on certain vaccines and helping coordinate and advise policymakers and physicians.

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The billionaire philanthropist has been alternately encouraged and frustrated with a team that has posted a winning record every season under his ownership, but has made early exits from the playoffs a habit.

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The city’s new mayor, Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit leader and philanthropist, has shaken off left-wing taboos and focused on delivering results.

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Named for a philanthropist and activist who worked to improve jail conditions for women in L.A. starting in the 1940s, the commission’s findings were recently cited in a state lawsuit over what Atty.

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Related Words

• benefactor 
• contributor 
• donor 
• patron