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

Her husband is a businessman and philanthropist who helped broker the controversial al-Yamamah arms deal in the 1980s.

From BBC

The project might never have come to life without the support of the Jacobs’, San Diego’s most prominent arts philanthropists.

From Los Angeles Times

Business magnate and philanthropist Lord Swraj Paul has died at the age of 94.

From BBC

But Silcott’s greatest love, noted Kennard, was Howard — particularly its Department of Architecture — where he would go on to become a historically prolific philanthropist, and help mentor generations of aspiring architects.

From Los Angeles Times

Wallis Annenberg, philanthropist who made massive donations to arts, education and animal welfare causes and whose name is on venues around Los Angeles County, has died.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• benefactor 
• contributor 
• donor 
• patron