plural charities
1
: the act of giving money, food, or other kinds of help to people who are poor, sick, etc.
The holidays are a time for charity and good will.
also
: something (such as money or food) that is given to people who are poor, sick, etc.
She refused to accept charity.
Note: The phrase charity begins at home means you should take care of yourself and your family before helping others.
2
a
: an organization that helps people who are poor, sick, etc.
The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities.
She runs a local charity that gives books to children.
b
: the organizations that help people in need
All the money will go to charity.
—often used before another nouna charity concert/dinner/event [=a concert/dinner/event held to raise money for a charity]
Cite this Entry
“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/charity. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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