alms

noun \ ˈä(l)mz \

Definition of alms

plural alms

1 : something (such as money or food) given freely to relieve the poor

distributing alms to the needy

2 archaic : charity

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almsgiver

play \-ˌgi-vər\ noun

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almsgiving

play \-ˌgi-viŋ\ noun

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Recent Examples of alms from the Web

By his lights gestures and ceremonies can have value in disciplining oneself, but charity toward one’s neighbor, of which giving of alms is only one expression, is free and Christian when it is done without thought for one’s own benefit.

— marilynne robinson, New Republic, "The Luther Legend," 12 Dec. 2017
What in Europe had been a discreet offering with alms boxes kept at the back of the church (alms for the poor) became a central ritual activity in America.

— james hudnut-beumler, Washington Post, "Why cash remains sacred in American churches," 6 July 2017
Offering the annual charity of the alms (2.5% of all savings)

— kurt snibbe, Orange County Register, "A look at the world’s new tool to combat extremism," 26 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alms.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of alms

Middle English almesse, almes, from Old English ælmesse, ælmes, from Late Latin eleemosyna alms, from Greek eleēmosynē pity, alms, from eleēmōn merciful, from eleos pity

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year