charity

noun

char·​i·​ty ˈcher-ə-tē 

ˈcha-rə-

plural charities

1

a

: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering

also : aid given to those in need

received charity from the neighbors

b

: an institution engaged in relief of the poor

raised funds for several charities

c

: public provision for the relief of the needy

too proud to accept charity

2

: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity

The holidays are a time for charity and goodwill.

3

a

: a gift for public benevolent purposes

b

: an institution (such as a hospital) founded by such a gift

4

: lenient judgment of others

The critic was liked for his charity and moderation.

Synonyms

• almsgiving
• dole
• philanthropy

Choose the Right Synonym for charity

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion.

mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Examples of charity in a Sentence

The holidays are a time for charity and good will.

She refused to accept charity.

The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities.

She runs a local charity that gives books to children.

All the money will go to charity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many other charities have held fundraising galas at the country club in the past, such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army. —Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024

William will begin the day in Sunbury-on-Thames to see how a food distribution charity called Surplus to Supper delivers, sorts and re-packages unused food to community groups. —Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024

The triathlon plans were brought into question after a water charity released a report this week saying the water in the Seine showed alarming levels of bacteria like E.coli. —Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2024

Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on worship, charity and good deeds. —Brian Van Der Brug, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Muslims are also obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity of food that must be given before the Eid prayer. —Abigail Beck, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024

Fake charities that want your money or personal information. —Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

An online estate planning service will generate a will for an average fee of $160, according to the National Council on Aging, a charity that advocates for older Americans. —USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024

Yet one holiday tradition has not only endured but grown this Ramadan: charity. —Ghada Abdulfattah, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English charite, from Anglo-French charité, from Late Latin caritat-, caritas Christian love, from Latin, dearness, from carus dear; akin to Old Irish carae friend, Sanskrit kāma love

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing charity

• charity shop

Kids Definition

charity

noun

char·​i·​ty ˈchar-ət-ē 

plural charities

1

: love for others

2

: kindliness in judging others

3

a

: the giving of aid to the poor and suffering

b

: public aid for the poor

c

: an institution or fund for aiding the needy

Legal Definition

charity

noun

char·​i·​ty

plural charities

: a gift for humanitarian, philanthropic, or other purposes beneficial to the public (as maintaining a public building)

also : an institution (as a hospital or school) or organization founded by such a gift compare private foundation

Note: Statutory definitions of what institutions and organizations qualify as charities vary. Organizations that are primarily involved in political campaigns or lobbying do not qualify as charities for tax purposes, but trusts for them may be considered charitable. In addition to tax-exempt status, charities have also generally been granted immunity from tort suits.