deed

noun

\ ˈdēd

Definition of deed

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something that is done evil deeds did my good deed for the day

2 : a usually illustrious act or action : feat, exploit a hero's daring deeds

3 : the act of performing : action righteous in word and in deed

4 : a signed and usually sealed instrument (see instrument entry 1 sense 4) containing some legal transfer, bargain, or contract gave them the deed to the house

deed

verb

deeded; deeding; deeds

Definition of deed (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

law

: to convey or transfer by a signed instrument containing a legal transfer, bargain, or contract : to convey or transfer by deed (see deed entry 1 sense 4) deeded the house to her son

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Examples of deed in a Sentence

Noun

They taught their children to be kind and to do good deeds. News of their heroic deeds spread far and wide. It's too late now. The deed is done. The land was transferred by deed. He gave them the deed to the property.

Verb

She deeded the house to her children. the philanthropist unexpectedly deeded his entire fortune to the animal shelter

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Anyone plagued by troublesome thoughts or deeds goes to the ocean to purge themselves of them. — Jamie Brisick, WSJ, "The Rush of Bodysurfing in Rio: A Traveler’s Guide," 3 Jan. 2019 He was not considered a skilled speaker, but his deeds were quite eloquent. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Read the Full Transcript of Jim Baker's Eulogy for His Close Friend, George H.W. Bush," 6 Dec. 2018 Thankfully, angels help him to see how his good deeds and contributions to the people around him have helped shape the present and the future. — Marilyn La Jeunesse, Teen Vogue, "The Best Christmas Movies to Watch According to Your Zodiac Sign," 26 Nov. 2018 In 2013, Tom and Cecelia Ricketts paid $7 million through a Delaware limited liability company for their new 0.67-acre lakefront site, according to a deed filed with the Cook County Recorder. — Bob Goldsborough, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts sold Wilmette mansion for $2.5 million," 22 June 2018 Ann will continue to live in the hearts, thoughts, and deeds of those who loved her. — Hartford Courant, courant.com, "Anna Miano Rogers Finn," 30 May 2018 During her official engagement interview years later, Kate denied the story, but Will took Jessica's side with a joking confirmation that the poster was, in deed, of him. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Had a Prince William Poster in Her Boarding School Dorm, According to One of the Girls Who Lived with Her," 23 Feb. 2019 The grantor of the easement and all subsequent owners of the property retain full fee simple ownership of the land, but are bound by the terms of the deed of easement, which is recorded in the Land Records of the county. — Erika Butler, The Aegis, "As Harford prepares to preserve 2,400 acres of farmland, council member attempts to discontinue program," 9 May 2018 Home is where the deed of giving and helping others made an impact on the young Woodley. — Karl Bullock, SI.com, "Following Mom's Lead: UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley Plans to Help Those In Need," 30 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Each owner receives a fee-simple deeded fractional interest in one suite and shared ownership in the lodge and community common areas. — Canyon River Ranch, The Seattle Times, "Fractional ownership can put a vacation dream within reach," 24 Sep. 2018 The owner of Alamo Beer later deeded the property to Meyer. — Jennifer Hiller, San Antonio Express-News, "City manager approves a controversial project near Hays Street Bridge, with conditions," 24 Mar. 2018 Ownership interests can be resold, shared or gifted just like any other deeded real estate. — Canyon River Ranch, The Seattle Times, "Fractional ownership can put a vacation dream within reach," 24 Sep. 2018 McGrady said a small right-of-way that will be deeded to the city went from 30 feet long to 27.7 feet and will be used for public utilities. — Erika Butler, The Aegis, "Aberdeen reaches agreement for property needed to extend Middleton Road," 29 June 2018 Following Motherwell’s death in 1991, virtually all of his paintings were deeded to the foundation. — Amanda Svachula, New York Times, "Missing for Four Decades, a Stolen Motherwell Painting Turns Up," 12 July 2018 The notes, unearthed in 2015, were deeded to the U.S. government in March 2016. — Jennifer Schuessler, The Seattle Times, "Jacqueline Kennedy’s notes for Dallas found, starting a quiet tug of war," 2 July 2018 Sally loved to share stories of growing up on the family farm, first deeded to the Thompson family in 1730/31. — courant.com, "Sally Thompson Bissel," 21 June 2018 It was deeded to his ex-wife in 2009 following the couple's divorce, records show. — Jack Flemming, latimes.com, "Beverly Hills estate once owned by songwriter Glen Ballard seeks $12.9 million," 5 June 2018

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

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Last Updated

26 Apr 2019

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Time Traveler for deed

The first known use of deed was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for deed

deed

noun

Financial Definition of deed

What It Is

A deed is an ownership document that entitles its holder to specific rights to a property based on a set of explicit conditions.

How It Works

In most cases, a deed establishes proper ownership of a piece of property such as a home or automobile. The deed grants the holder explicit privileges and rights that may only be exercised under duly expressed conditions. In this respect, a deed's conferment of unique rights or privileges brings with it a unique set of responsibilities.

An example would be a deed of ownership to a home. While the freedom inherent in the deed allows the holder to take many actions regarding the home, he is bound by the conditions of home ownership. For instance, though he may build a balcony on the back of his house, he may not be able to install a high-power speaker system as it could disturb the neighbors.

Why It Matters

A deed sets specific privileges and rights that the holder alone may exercise and it sets rules that render the holder responsible for the consequences of exercising those rights.

Source: Investing Answers

deed

noun

English Language Learners Definition of deed

(Entry 1 of 2)

: something that is done : an act or action

: a legal document that shows who owns a building or piece of land

deed

verb

English Language Learners Definition of deed (Entry 2 of 2)

US : to give someone ownership of (a building or piece of land) by means of a deed

See the full definition for deed in the English Language Learners Dictionary

deed

noun

\ ˈdēd

Kids Definition of deed

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something that is done : act a brave deed

2 : a legal document by which a person transfers land or buildings to another

deed

verb

deeded; deeding

Kids Definition of deed (Entry 2 of 2)

: to transfer by a deed He deeded the house to the new owners.

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deed

noun

Legal Definition of deed

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something done : act sense 1 my free act and deed

2 : a written instrument by which a person transfers ownership of real property to another — see also deliver, grantee, grantor, recording act, registry, title — compare certificate of title

Note: A deed must be properly executed and delivered in order to be effective. Additionally, the grantor must have freely intended to make the transfer at the time of the conveyance. Deeds are recorded at the local registry of deeds to give notice of ownership.

— bargain and sale deed

1 : a contract resulting from a bargain between a buyer and a seller of real property that creates a use in the buyer and therefore transfers title to the buyer by operation of law

2 : a deed in which the grantor makes no warranties of title to the grantee

— deed-in-lieu \ -in-ˈlü \

: deed in lieu of foreclosure in this entry

— deed in lieu of foreclosure

: a deed from a mortgagor conveying title to the mortgaged property to the mortgagee in payment of the debt

Note: Deeds in lieu of foreclosure are sometimes used as an alternative to foreclosure.

— deed of trust

: an instrument securing a debt in which a debtor conveys the legal ownership of real property to a trustee to be held in trust for the benefit of the creditor or to be sold upon the debtor's default to pay the debt : a mortgage with a power of sale

— called also trust deed

— master deed

: a deed that submits the land described therein to the provisions of a state's law regarding condominiums and sets out various information (as about the units, common areas, bylaws, and rights of the owners) as required under state law — compare declaration of condominium at declaration sense 4

— quitclaim deed

: a deed that grants only whatever title or interest the grantor had to the property without any warranty as to the title

2 : special warranty deed in this entry — compare warranty deed in this entry

— sheriff's deed

: a deed given to a buyer of property purchased at a sheriff's sale

— special warranty deed

: a deed in which the property transferred is warranted to be free of all liens or encumbrances made by, through, or under the grantor but not otherwise

— tax deed

: a deed evidencing the transfer of title acquired by the grantee as purchaser of property at a tax sale — compare tax certificate

— trust deed

: deed of trust in this entry

— unit deed

: a deed conveying a condominium unit

— warranty deed

: a deed warranting that the grantor has a good title free and clear of all encumbrances and will defend the grantee against all claims — compare quitclaim deed and special warranty deed in this entry