1. a gift of money or property, especially one given to establish or endow an institution
Usage: formal; often used in historical or institutional contexts
2. the act of providing a dowry or marriage portion
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The university received a substantial dotation from the philanthropist to fund scholarships.
• The dotation established by the founder ensured the library's operation for generations.
• Medieval families negotiated the dotation for their daughters' marriages.
• The hospital's dotation allowed it to expand its medical research programs.
• A generous dotation from a wealthy patron made the museum's expansion possible.