donate

verb do·nate \ ˈdō-ˌnāt , dō-ˈ \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: donate in a Sentence

Definition of donate

donated; donating

transitive verb

1 : to make a gift of; especially : to contribute to a public or charitable cause

2 : to transfer (a particle, such as an electron) to another atom or molecule

intransitive verb

: to make a donation

See donate defined for English-language learners

See donate defined for kids

Examples of donate in a Sentence

The computers were donated by local companies.
We donated our old clothes to charity.
people who donate money to political candidates
He donates some of his free time to volunteer work.
Everyone is encouraged to donate.
People are encouraged to donate blood.
Please sign this form if you would like to donate your organs when you die.
You can donate at the blood bank every eight weeks.

Recent Examples of donate from the Web

In a partnership with Friends of the Rail Park, Boxcar will be donating a portion of the proceeds.

— michael klein, Philly.com, "Boxcar Beer Garden sets up next to new Rail Park," 10 July 2018
But wait, there’s more: Ouai will be donating 15 percent of their proceeds to the Vanderpump Dog Foundation.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "The Kardashians’ Hairstylist Is Releasing $28 Dog Shampoo," 2 July 2018
A year ago, parishioner Jim Weigel set up a book store and is donating all profits to the school.

— denise coffey, Courant Community, "St. James Gym To Be Named For Rev. John O'Neill," 27 June 2018
The parcel delivery company, which is donating its services, plans to then drive it by truck to Texas.

— audrey mcavoy, azcentral, "Piece of sunken WWII USS Arizona heading to Texas war memorial," 22 June 2018
The parcel delivery company, which is donating its services, plans to then drive it by truck to Texas.

— Washington Post, "Piece of sunken USS Arizona heading to Texas war memorial," 22 June 2018
These companies are donating funds to organizations that will help the families, but with prices like those, and summer temperatures only rising, can the outwear-activist trend catch on?

— hilary weaver, Vanities, "Can Anti-Melania Outerwear Activism Catch On?," 22 June 2018
Next weekend June 22-24, LaRosa's on Highland Pointe Drive is donating 20 percent of sales.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "Here's how you can support #StratmanStrong around Lakota West, lacrosse community," 18 June 2018
Taim is donating $1 for every one of Nasrin’s sandwiches.

— tejal rao, New York Times, "A Festival Where Refugees Cook for New York," 14 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of donate

back-formation from donation

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1785

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

donate Synonyms

Phrases

give of;

Synonym Discussion of donate

give, present, donate, bestow, confer, afford mean to convey to another as a possession. give, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means.

- give alms
- gave her a ride on a pony
- give my love to your mother

present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

- present an award

donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

- donate a piano to the orphanage

bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

- bestow unwanted advice

confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

- confer an honorary degree

afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver.

- the trees afford shade
- a development that affords us some hope

DONATE Defined for English Language Learners

donate

verb

Definition of donate for English Language Learners

: to give (money, food, clothes, etc.) in order to help a person or organization
: to give (blood, a body organ, etc.) to a hospital or other medical organization so that it can be given to someone who needs it