charity

noun char·i·ty \ ˈcher-ə-tē , ˈcha-rə- \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of charity

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.

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 sale of more than 1,500 Rockefeller belongings is attracting some of the biggest collectors of the art and antiques worlds, and could bring in more than $1 billion, all for charity, by the sale’s end.

— New York Times, "At Rockefeller Auction, They Came. They Bid. They Mostly Lost.," 9 May 2018
Her claiming the record — albeit for charity — sparked an uproar.

— andrew joseph, For The Win, "Trainer claims burpee world record by attempting 1,490 controversial burpees," 9 May 2018
Gaines wrote in January that the story of cancer surviver Gabriele Grunewald (Gabe) inspired him to run for charity.

— joel shannon, USA TODAY, "Chip Gaines finishes first his marathon — in a tool belt," 7 May 2018
In fact, since the start of the mint julep program, Woodford Reserve has raised over $450,000 for charity.

— matthew libassi, Fox News, "Kentucky Derby guests can sip this $1,000 mint julep for a good cause," 4 May 2018
Every year, Temple University’s Gamma Iota Sigma organization for risk management and insurance students raises money for a local charity.

— maria ceschan, Philly.com, "How the Broad Street Run is helping my family heal after a suicide," 4 May 2018
And hung near the front window is a list of supporters, which includes restaurants like Kuma’s Corner, that have raised money for the charity.

— samantha bomkamp, chicagotribune.com, "Logan Square coffee shop aims to start conversation about mental health, suicide prevention," 3 May 2018
Originally a nonprofit that sought to raise money for charity, the organization had a Facebook group managed by Maness.

— kyle hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, "Man charged in pepper spray attack attempted to recruit others to ‘storm’ Anchorage gay pride parades," 28 Apr. 2018
Last year's game raised more than $1 million for charity, and set attendance records.

— kathryn watson, CBS News, "Republicans hold first baseball practice since last year's shooting," 25 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

charity Synonyms

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

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

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

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.