bequeaths; bequeathed; bequeathing
formal
1
: to say in a will that (your property) will be given to (a person or organization) after you die
I bequeath this ring to my sister. = I bequeath my sister this ring.
He bequeathed his paintings to the museum.
2
: to give (ideas, knowledge, etc.) to (younger people) as part of their history
These stories were bequeathed [=handed down, passed down] to us by our ancestors.
Lessons of the past are bequeathed to future generations.
Cite this Entry
“Bequeath.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bequeath. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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