philanthropist

American  

[fi-lan-thruh-pist] / fɪˈlæn θrə pɪst /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• philanthropistic adjective

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."

Example Sentences

Billionaire philanthropist Connie Ballmer is an avid NPR listener.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Rep. Katie Porter and philanthropist Tom Steyer — have all agreed to participate in the event.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

As portfolios go, the one put forward by John Arnold, the billionaire energy trader turned philanthropist, doesn’t get simpler.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

While Hubbard keeps his client list confidential, some high-profile buyers, such as misogynist influencer Andrew Tate and YouTuber and philanthropist MrBeast, have publicly acknowledged purchasing his bunkers.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

From a little distance he had the bland aspect of a philanthropist.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• benefactor
• contributor
• donor
• patron