charitable

play

adjective char·i·ta·ble \ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl, ˈcha-rə-\

Definition of charitable

1 : full of love for and goodwill toward others : benevolent
2a : liberal in benefactions to the needy : generousb : of or relating to charity charitable institutions
3 : merciful or kind in judging others : lenient

charitableness

noun

charitably

play \-blē\ adverb

See charitable defined for English-language learners

See charitable defined for kids

Examples of charitable in a Sentence

She makes a charitable donation every year.
He performs charitable work to help the poor.
They give money to charitable causes.
She has tried to be charitable about her sister's problems.
Half of the class has a chance at passing the test, and that is a charitable estimate.

Recent Examples of charitable from the Web

Brooks said the plaques are also a way for Rancho Bernardans to support the foundation’s charitable efforts in the community without becoming a foundation member.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "Honor someone with a Pathway of Pride plaque," 19 July 2017
A murky charitable foundation run by the family of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is restoring Aleppo’s landmark mosque.

— nataliya vasilyeva, The Seattle Times, "Chechnya becoming major player in rebuilding war-torn Syria," 18 July 2017
Trian is paying $250,000 in two installments to his charitable foundation for his services.

— alexander coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Hedge fund hires former P&G exec for siege," 17 July 2017
Miami residents Alan Mason and Robert Glazier have created a charitable fund to further Jewish identity among young adults in Miami-Dade County.

— sergio carmona, Jewish Journal, "Miami residents create fund focused on Jewish identity," 30 June 2017
Sometimes work means getting out of the cubicle and into a social or charitable event.

— david staats, idahostatesman, "These workers get out of their offices and contribute to the community. How about you?," 23 June 2017
Her husband, for whom Felipe is named, is not yet willing to be charitable.

— ronnie polaneczky, Philly.com, "Guilty plea in drag-race deaths brings relief, sadness," 23 June 2017
The United Way and other charitable organizations consistently recognize Pomeroy for the positive influence of its 4,200 employees in supporting community efforts throughout North America, Latin America and Europe.

— Cincinnati.com, "Red Cross honoring Pomeroy CEO Chris Froman," 22 June 2017
Unlike Community Health Centers that are federally funded, free and charitable clinics rely mainly on volunteer medical providers and private philanthropic funding.

— tony pugh, miamiherald, "Free and charitable clinics increase amid possible cuts to healthcare for the poor," 14 June 2017

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

First Known Use of charitable

14th century

CHARITABLE Defined for English Language Learners

charitable

play

adjective

Definition of charitable for English Language Learners

: done or designed to help people who are poor, sick, etc.
: showing kindness in talking about or judging other people : not very critical

CHARITABLE Defined for Kids

charitable

play

adjective char·i·ta·ble \ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl\

Definition of charitable for Students

1 : freely giving money or help to needy persons : generous
2 : given for the needy : of service to the needy charitable donations charitable organizations
3 : kindly especially in judging other people