plural gifts
1
: something that is given to another person or to a group or organization
The money was a gift, not a loan.
a birthday/Christmas/anniversary/wedding gift [=present]
We always exchange gifts [=we give each other gifts] on our anniversary.
a generous/lavish/small gift
a charitable gift [=something, such as money, that is given to a charity]
2
: a special ability
She considers her voice a God-given gift.
He's an athlete with many physical gifts. [=talents]
—often + forHe has a gift for expressing himself.
a gift for playing the piano
an actor with a gift for comedy
—sometimes + ofShe claimed to have the gift of prophecy.
gifts; gifted; gifting
: to present (someone) with a gift
The foundation has gifted the museum with an important collection of paintings. [=(more commonly) the foundation has given the museum an important collection of paintings]
Cite this Entry
“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/gift. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
