noun

crowdfunding

/ˈkaʊdˌfʌndɪŋ/ · say it: KROWD·fun·ding

raising money from many small online contributions

In more detail

1. (noun) a way of raising money for a project or business by getting many people to contribute small amounts of money, usually through the internet

Examples

1. The startup used crowdfunding to raise $50,000 for their new app.

How to use crowdfunding

Crowdfunding refers to raising capital by soliciting contributions from large numbers of people, typically via online platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. It is commonly used for creative projects, startups, and social causes, and emphasizes democratic participation and community support. The term carries a neutral to positive connotation, suggesting grassroots enthusiasm rather than institutional backing.

Common phrases

crowdfunding campaign
crowdfunding platform
launch a crowdfunding campaign
support a crowdfunding project
successful crowdfunding

Synonyms

collective funding · community financing · grassroots fundraising · social fundraising

Opposites

venture capital · bank loan · private investment

Word family

crowdfund (verb) · crowdfunded (adjective) · crowdfunder (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse crowdfunding with charitable donations or grants, but crowdfunding typically involves reciprocal arrangements where backers receive rewards or equity in return for their contributions.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD