ˈvɑːlənˌteri 
British ˈvɒləntri
1
: done or given because you want to and not because you are forced to : done or given by choice
a voluntary agreement/decision
voluntary retirement
voluntary donations
Participation in the program is completely voluntary.
He was charged with voluntary manslaughter.
2
a
: provided or supported by people who do work without being paid
a voluntary [=volunteer] association/organization
b
: doing work without being paid
She works for the charity on a voluntary basis. [=she works as a volunteer for the charity]
(chiefly Brit) Several voluntary workers [=volunteers] help out at the nursing home.
3
: able to be controlled consciously
voluntary bodily movements
the voluntary muscles that control urination
Cite this Entry
“Voluntary.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/voluntary. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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