charity

noun

char·​i·​ty ˈcher-ə-tē 

ˈcha-rə-

plural charities

1

a

: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering

also : aid given to those in need

received charity from the neighbors

b

: an institution engaged in relief of the poor

raised funds for several charities

c

: public provision for the relief of the needy

too proud to accept charity

2

: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity

The holidays are a time for charity and goodwill.

3

a

: a gift for public benevolent purposes

b

: an institution (such as a hospital) founded by such a gift

4

: lenient judgment of others

The critic was liked for his charity and moderation.

Synonyms of charity

• philanthropy

Choose the Right Synonym for charity

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion.

mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Examples of charity in a Sentence

The holidays are a time for charity and good will.

She refused to accept charity.

The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities.

She runs a local charity that gives books to children.

All the money will go to charity.

Recent Examples on the Web

The hotel, in partnership with a local charity, will get the goods to someone in need. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The charity wrestling showcase, being run by pro wrestling couple, Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo, will take place in Rahway, New Jersey, and feature several high-profile wrestlers and matches. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

In 2025, a Duke spokesperson told The News & Observer that a vial of antivenom would cost around $9,700, before factoring in insurance and charity care options. —Eva Flowe june 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026

Supervisors have awarded grants to groups that have run afoul of state rules for charities, and some grants have lacked documentation showing they were properly spent. —Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English charite, from Anglo-French charité, from Late Latin caritat-, caritas Christian love, from Latin, dearness, from carus dear; akin to Old Irish carae friend, Sanskrit kāma love

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing charity

• charity shop

Rhymes for charity

• clarity
• parity
• rarity
• verity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity

Kids Definition

charity

noun

char·​i·​ty ˈchar-ət-ē 

plural charities

1

: love for others

2

: kindliness in judging others

3

a

: the giving of aid to the poor and suffering

b

: public aid for the poor

c

: an institution or fund for aiding the needy

Legal Definition

charity

noun

char·​i·​ty

plural charities

: a gift for humanitarian, philanthropic, or other purposes beneficial to the public (as maintaining a public building)

also : an institution (as a hospital or school) or organization founded by such a gift compare private foundation

Note: Statutory definitions of what institutions and organizations qualify as charities vary. Organizations that are primarily involved in political campaigns or lobbying do not qualify as charities for tax purposes, but trusts for them may be considered charitable. In addition to tax-exempt status, charities have also generally been granted immunity from tort suits.