Definition of voluntary
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: proceeding from the will or from one's own choice or consent
a voluntary action voluntary cooperation
2
: unconstrained by interference : self-determining
a voluntary participant
3
law
a
: done by design or intention : intentional
was convicted of voluntary manslaughter
b
: acting or done of one's own free will without valuable consideration or legal obligation
a voluntary conveyance
4
: of, relating to, subject to, or regulated by the will
voluntary muscle movements voluntary behavior
5
: having power of free choice
a voluntary agent
6
: provided or supported by voluntary action
a voluntary institution/organization
voluntary
noun
plural voluntaries
Definition of voluntary (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: a prefatory often extemporized musical piece
b
: an improvisatory organ piece played before, during, or after a religious service
2
: one who participates voluntarily
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for voluntary
The first known use of voluntary was in the 15th century
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