donate

verb

do·​nate ˈdō-ˌnāt 

dō-ˈnāt

donated; donating

transitive verb

1

: to make a gift of

especially : to contribute to a public or charitable cause

2

: to transfer (a particle, such as an electron) to another atom or molecule

intransitive verb

: to make a donation

Synonyms

• bestow
• contribute
• give
• give away
• present
• volunteer

Choose the Right Synonym for donate

give, present, donate, bestow, confer, afford mean to convey to another as a possession.

give, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means.

give alms

gave her a ride on a pony

give my love to your mother

present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver.

the trees afford shade

a development that affords us some hope

Examples of donate in a Sentence

The computers were donated by local companies.

We donated our old clothes to charity.

people who donate money to political candidates

He donates some of his free time to volunteer work.

Everyone is encouraged to donate.

People are encouraged to donate blood.

Please sign this form if you would like to donate your organs when you die.

You can donate at the blood bank every eight weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County has donated to prior central committee campaigns — but those contributions generally were limited to $10,000, records show. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024

Native veterans:can now access face-to-face primary care at the Kayenta Health Center The house was donated by JPMorgan Chase. —Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 6 Apr. 2024

Proceeds from the glasses will be donated to Cincinnati Parks Foundation. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 5 Apr. 2024

The book will also include some of the politician's humor throughout, and net proceeds from the title's publishing will be donated to the Capital Region Community Foundation during her remaining time as governor. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024

Chuy's to donate $1 from every Big As Yo' Face Burrito sold to St. Jude on National Burrito Day Chuy's customers who buy a Big As Yo' Face Burrito on National Burrito Day will be helping a good cause, as $1 from every burrito sold will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2024

The hospital said the kidney was donated by eGenesis in Cambridge and was genetically edited to remove harmful pig genes. —Wbz-News Staff, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2024

The Cut MacKenzie Scott donates to group helping first-gen grads get jobs Bloomberg More women are applying for jobs in Europe than North America. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

The measures are aimed at addressing concerns conservatives had during the 2020 election over millions of dollars in grants being donated to Wisconsin’s largest cities by a voting rights group. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from donation

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing donate

• donate/give blood

Kids Definition

donate

verb

do·​nate ˈdō-ˌnāt 

dō-ˈnāt

donated; donating

: to make a gift of : contribute

donate blood

donator

-ˌnāt-ər

-ˈnāt-

noun

Legal Definition

donate

verb

do·​nate

donated; donating

transitive verb

: to transfer by a gift or donation

intransitive verb

: to make a donation compare give, sell