charity

play

noun char·i·ty \ˈcher-ə-tē, ˈcha-rə-\

Definition of charity

plural

charities

1 : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity The holidays are a time for charity and goodwill.
2a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need received charity from the neighborsb : an institution engaged in relief of the poor raised funds for several charitiesc : public provision for the relief of the needy too proud to accept charity
3a : a gift for public benevolent purposesb : 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.

See charity defined for English-language learners

See charity defined for kids

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 of charity from the Web

The Environmental Defence Fund, a charity, estimated in 2011 that cap-and-trade would account for 20% of the pollution cuts required by AB 32.

— The Economist, "Paris-on-seaCalifornia pushes on with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," 20 July 2017
Bingo Proceeds support Dale City Knights of Columbus activities and charities.

— Washington Post, "Prince William County community calendar, July 20-26, 2017," 19 July 2017
Trump’s other lawyer, Jay Sekulow, appears to have taken money from charity.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump’s Lawyers Want to Put Distance Between The President and Kushner on Russia," 12 July 2017
Now, and costs $25 (compared with $125 for Kendall and Kylie's shirts), all of which will be donated to charity.

— devon ivie, Teen Vogue, "Arcade Fire Mocks Kendall and Kylie Jenner's Band T-Shirts With New Merchandise," 5 July 2017
Randy Coe, Kosair’s current president, said Inman will start at the charity Aug. 7.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "Already struggling to get gifts, University of Louisville losing chief fundraiser to Kosair Charities," 30 June 2017
Amazon would be the primary tenant for the 97-acre complex, which will generate millions of dollars for the long-dormant Meek charity and is expected to pay Miami-Dade about $1.8 million in rent a year.

— douglas hanks, miamiherald, "Amazon plans mega warehouse in Opa-locka, will hire 1,000," 29 June 2017
And Waterfront Park-goers probably won't have to pay to attend many events held in the park, such as charity walks, or simply to use the highly popular Big Four Bridge cross-river walkway.

— sheldon s. shafer, The Courier-Journal, "You'll soon have to pay to park at some Waterfront Park events," 28 June 2017
Some of the items at issue were provided to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation for a charity auction.

— megan friedman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Miranda Kerr Returns $8 Million Worth of Jewelry as Part of a Federal Investigation," 27 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of charity

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

CHARITY Defined for English Language Learners

charity

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noun

Definition of charity for English Language Learners

: the act of giving money, food, or other kinds of help to people who are poor, sick, etc.; also : something (such as money or food) that is given to people who are poor, sick, etc.
: an organization that helps people who are poor, sick, etc.
: the organizations that help people in need

CHARITY Defined for Kids

charity

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noun char·i·ty \ˈcher-ə-tē\

Definition of charity for Students

plural

charities

1 : love for others
2 : kindliness especially in judging others … I pray you mercy of my fault, and that ye will of your kindness and your charity forgive it … — Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee
3 : the giving of aid to the needy
4 : aid (as food or money) given to those in need
5 : an organization or fund for helping the needy

Law Dictionary

charity

noun char·i·ty

Legal Definition of charity

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

Additional Notes on charity

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.