charity

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

|Updated on: 11 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: charity in a Sentence

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

Humanitarian groups such as the Catholic charity Caritas set up in the city to work with migrants.

— jason horowitz, BostonGlobe.com, "Migrants were welcome in Macerata, before a murder," 7 July 2018
Image Humanitarian groups such as the Catholic charity Caritas set up in the city to work with migrants.

— jason horowitz, New York Times, "This Italian Town Once Welcomed Migrants. Now, It’s a Symbol for Right-Wing Politics," 7 July 2018
Twelve pregnant women who were at the charity were moved to a government-run home for care to avoid any similar situation after their babies were born, Officer Aman Kumar said.

— kathleen joyce, Fox News, "Indian couple, including one nun, accused of selling baby at Mother Teresa’s charity for unwed mothers," 6 July 2018
San Francisco Travel is also working with the local charity Tipping Point to get more mental health services on the street level.

— matier & ross, SFChronicle.com, "Is San Francisco Mayor Farrell’s big idea of internet-for-all leaving office with him?," 4 July 2018
The charity aspires to raise $10 million by the end of this year, and grow to a fund of $1 billion in the next two years.

— jeff john roberts, Fortune, "Coinbase CEO Launches Crypto Charity Fund, Aims to Raise $1 Billion," 27 June 2018
Media: Fox4 Backed by Prince Harry and organized by the British charity Walking With The Wounded, the trip is designed to raise money for non-profits that serve wounded veterans in the United States and Britain.

— alyson ward, Houston Chronicle, "Military veterans walk through Houston this weekend to raise money, awareness for mental health," 23 June 2018
Part of all proceeds go to the Will Rogers Institute charity for medical research.

— adesuwa agbonile, sacbee, "Looking for a low-cost way to entertain the kids this summer? Regal Cinemas offering $1 tickets," 20 June 2018
The Travelers Championship sends 100-percent of collected donations to the participating charities.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 19 June 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.