plural charters
1
: a document issued by a government that gives rights to a person or group
The charter allows for unrestricted trading.
2
a
: a document which declares that a city, town, school, or corporation has been established
the town charter
a corporate charter
b
: a document that describes the basic laws, principles, etc., of a group
the United Nations Charter
charters; chartered; chartering
1
: to give a charter to (a government, corporation, etc.)
a royally chartered bank
The city was chartered in 1837.
2
: to hire (a ship, bus, etc.) for temporary use
The team chartered a plane.
charter a flight
always used before a noun
: hired for temporary use
a charter flight
a charter plane
Cite this Entry
“Charter.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/charter. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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