spender

¹ American  

[spen-der] / ˈspɛn dər /

noun

1. a person who spends, especially one who habitually spends excessively or lavishly; spendthrift.

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Spender ² American  

[spen-der] / ˈspɛn dər /

noun

1. Stephen, 1909–96, English poet and critic.

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Spender ¹ British  

/ ˈspɛndə /

noun

1. Sir Stephen. 1909–95, English poet and critic, who played an important part in the left-wing literary movement of the 1930s. His works include Journals 1939–83 (1985) and Collected Poems (1985)

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spender ² British  

/ ˈspɛndə /

noun

1. a person who spends money in a manner specified

   a big spender

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Etymology

Origin of spender

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at spend, -er ¹

Example Sentences

If you’re a big spender at Starbucks, you might get a chance to travel to Tokyo, Milan, or Costa Rica to “explore and celebrate coffee culture globally”—with all expenses paid by the company.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

A spontaneous jaunt like that is probably something he wouldn’t have done years ago, but “after a lifetime of being a conscientious spender and saver, it felt deserved,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

There, the court reasoned that such independent spending could not corrupt, because to count as independent spending, a spender could not coordinate with the candidate on campaign messaging.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

These talks have also revealed that I’m more of a spender and he is more of a saver.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

“Real big spender, huh?” my grandfather says, looking around at the linoleum floor, the plastic flower arrangements.

From "The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer L. Holm