charity
noun
char·i·ty
ˈcher-ə-tē 
ˈcha-rə-
plural charities
1
a
: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering
also
: aid given to those in need
received charity from the neighbors
b
: an institution engaged in relief of the poor
raised funds for several charities
c
: public provision for the relief of the needy
too proud to accept charity
2
: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
The holidays are a time for charity and goodwill.
3
a
: a gift for public benevolent purposes
b
: an institution (such as a hospital) founded by such a gift
4
: lenient judgment of others
The critic was liked for his charity and moderation.
Examples of charity in a Sentence
The holidays are a time for charity and good will.
She refused to accept charity.
The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities.
She runs a local charity that gives books to children.
All the money will go to charity.
Recent Examples on the Web
The chase occurred after the Netflix stars left a charity event in New York City.
—
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
That effort had essentially earmarked money to local charities to provide nonviolent immigrants with case workers who connect them to services such as human trafficking screening and information on U.S. law.
—J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 8 Apr. 2025
DeSantis officials assigned $10 million to his wife’s charity.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Mike's latest comments came at a fundraiser for DEBRA, a U.K. charity working to support people living with and research into epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a genetic condition that causes painful skin blistering.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for charity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
That effort had essentially earmarked money to local charities to provide nonviolent immigrants with case workers who connect them to services such as human trafficking screening and information on U.S. law.
—J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 8 Apr. 2025
DeSantis officials assigned $10 million to his wife’s charity.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Mike's latest comments came at a fundraiser for DEBRA, a U.K. charity working to support people living with and research into epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a genetic condition that causes painful skin blistering.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for charity
Cite this Entry
“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
charity
noun
char·i·ty
ˈchar-ət-ē
plural charities
1
: love for others
2
: kindliness in judging others
3
a
: the giving of aid to the poor and suffering
b
: public aid for the poor
c
: an institution or fund for aiding the needy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share