almsgiving

noun

alms·​giv·​ing ˈä(l)mz-ˌgi-viŋ How to pronounce almsgiving (audio)
Synonyms of almsgivingnext
: the giving of alms especially as an habitual practice
remarkably generous in his almsgiving
almsgiver noun
plural almsgivers
In religious terms, begging continued to be valued as a vocation; the poor had an important soteriological function as intercessors for almsgivers. Carter Lindberg, The European Reformations, 2010

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of almsgiving was in the 15th century

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Almsgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/almsgiving. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on almsgiving

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!