bequeath

verb

be·​queath bi-ˈkwēth How to pronounce bequeath (audio) -ˈkwēt͟h How to pronounce bequeath (audio)
bē-
bequeathed; bequeathing; bequeaths

transitive verb

1
: to give or leave by will (see will entry 2 sense 1)
used especially of personal property
a ring bequeathed to her by her grandmother
2
: to hand down : transmit
lessons bequeathed to future generations
bequeathal
bi-ˈkwē-thəl How to pronounce bequeath (audio)
-t͟həl
bē-
noun

Examples of bequeath in a Sentence

He bequeathed his paintings to the museum. Lessons of the past are bequeathed to future generations.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Above all, the Trump administration would bequeath a stock of leverage to its successor. Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2020 It’s been a lucky 13 weeks now for Taylor Swift’s massive blockbuster atop the Billboard 200, as the set returned to the top spot in a slow release week after having bequeathed it to Eminem (The Death of Slim Shady) and Stray Kids (ATE), respectively, in the two prior frames. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 Collectors who have been active in the market for decades have built up large collections, that will either have to be sold, passed on to family or bequeathed to museums or nonprofits. Robert Frank, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024 Our constitutional order has bequeathed us the freest and most prosperous society mankind has ever known. Christian Schneider, National Review, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bequeath 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bequethen, from Old English becwethan, from be- + cwethan to say — more at quoth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bequeath was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near bequeath

Cite this Entry

“Bequeath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bequeath. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bequeath

verb
1
: to give or leave property by a will
2
: hand down sense 1
traditions bequeathed by our ancestors
bequeathal noun

Legal Definition

bequeath

transitive verb
: to give by will
used especially of personal property but sometimes of real property
see also legacy, legatee compare devise
Etymology

Old English becwethan to speak to, address, leave by will, from be- to, about + cwethan to say

More from Merriam-Webster on bequeath

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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