alms

\ ˈä(l)mz

How to pronounce alms (audio)

\

plural alms

Definition of 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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Examples of alms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the early church, public confession was the norm, and penance involved public displays of reform, such as fasting, alms-giving and prayer. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "‘I confess': should the ‘seal of the confessional’ protect pedophiles?," 4 Aug. 2019 Already foreigners outnumber locals at the traditional dawn alms-giving ceremony for the monks. — Ewen Bell, National Geographic, "Discover why Laos is the world’s next great foodie destination," 10 July 2019 When a Catholic church in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, was heavily damaged during Hurricane Maria in 2017, members of a Park Ridge parish were encouraged to help fund its rebuilding as part of their Lenten alms-giving. — Jennifer Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Park Ridge church representatives see fruits of charitable giving in Puerto Rico," 18 June 2019 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.

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Dictionary Entries near alms

almost uncirculated

Statistics for alms

Cite this Entry

“Alms.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/almsgiver. Accessed 5 December 2019.

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