volunteerism

noun

vol·​un·​teer·​ism ˌvä-lən-ˈtir-ˌi-zəm 

1

: voluntarism sense 1

2

: the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service

Examples of volunteerism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Experiencing hunger deepens empathy for those who face it daily, which is why charitable giving and volunteerism increase during Ramadan. —Irfan Sarwar, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Research also shows that acts of kindness and volunteerism — serving others — are associated with lower mortality and better physical functioning into old age. —Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026

Communities with these types of nonprofits saw higher rates of volunteerism, more gathering spaces and active voters. —Aria Jones, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026

Wilson said his volunteerism, work with youth, and seeing his mother’s rise into politics are what eventually led him to follow in her footsteps into politics. —Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for volunteerism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism