charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce charitable (audio)
ˈcha-rə-
1
: full of love for and goodwill toward others : benevolent
2
a
: liberal in benefactions to the needy : generous
b
: of or relating to charity
charitable institutions
3
: merciful or kind in judging others : lenient
charitableness noun
charitably adverb

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 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.
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. Zev Fima, CNBC, 20 June 2025 For those grappling with tax implications—a common challenge for sudden wealth recipients—the firm collaborates with tax professionals to optimize strategies such as charitable donations and estate planning. Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025 Global health issues in the spotlight This photography competition, which was last held in 2021, is organised by Wellcome, a charitable foundation that supports health research around the world. Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Among the winners were Naperville Education Foundation and Indian Prairie Educational Foundation, the charitable arms of school districts 203 and 204 respectively. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for charitable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charitable was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Charitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charitable. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

charitable

adjective
char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce charitable (audio)
1
: freely giving money or help to poor and needy persons : generous
2
: given for the needy : of service to the needy
charitable funds
a charitable institution
3
: kindly in judging other people
charitableness noun
charitably adverb

Legal Definition

charitable

adjective
char·​i·​ta·​ble
: of or relating to charity
charitable contributions

More from Merriam-Webster on charitable

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