volunteerism

noun vol·un·teer·ism \ ˌvä-lən-ˈtir-ˌi-zəm \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 2018

Definition of volunteerism

1 : voluntarism 1

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

Recent Examples of volunteerism from the Web

Since McAllister passed away from heart failure at her home in Terrell Hills, admirers have heaped praise on her legacy of tireless civic leadership and volunteerism.

— melissa fletcher stoeltje, San Antonio Express-News, "Personal side of late philanthropist celebrated," 9 July 2018
Weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism to benefit cancer research.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week in Cincinnati: June 4-10," 4 June 2018
Going after a 94-year-old former President’s promotion of volunteerism.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Trump’s confusion about Bush’s slogan illustrates his narrow view of the presidency," 9 July 2018
The village movement, which originated in Boston, is part of a wave of volunteerism gathering strength at a time when governments are strapped for cash.

— robert weisman, BostonGlobe.com, "The hidden, high-tech world of communications at Fenway Park," 7 July 2018
And Jim Donio, founding volunteer of the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton, N.J., and an advocate for the town, won the prestigious Jefferson Award, considered the country’s highest honor for public service and volunteerism.

— john timpane, Philly.com, "R. Eric Thomas wins prestigious Lanford Wilson Award," 25 June 2018
In the senior level, Bel Air High School placed 10th out of 68 teams and earned the Spirit of Discovery and Imagination Award for exceptional spirit, teamwork, volunteerism, and sportsmanship.

— The Aegis, "Three Destination Imagination teams from Harford place in top 10 at the Global Finals," 1 June 2018
The ceremony also served to recognize the many individuals — either Berean Christian staff or parents — whose spirit of volunteerism contributed to the success of the athletic program.

— mike may, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Berean Christian School student-athletes feted at awards ceremony," 7 July 2018
Going after a 94-year-old, former President’s promotion of volunteerism.

— john wagner, Washington Post, "‘So uncalled for’: George H.W. Bush’s former press secretary chides Trump for mocking ‘thousand points of light’," 6 July 2018

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