alms

[ ahmz ]

/ ɑmz /

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noun (used with a singular or plural verb)

money, food, or other donations given to people in need; anything given as charity: She showed her generosity by giving alms regularly.

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TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

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Origin of alms

First recorded before 1000; Middle English almes, almesse, Old English ælmesse (compare Old Saxon alamōsna, Old High German alamuosa, Dutch aalmoes; Old Spanish almosna ), ultimately derived from Late Latin eleēmosyna, from Greek eleēmosýnē “compassion, alms,” derivative of éleos “pity”; see eleemosynary

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH alms

alms , arms

Words nearby alms

Almoravide, almost, almost everywhere, almost periodic function, almous, alms, almsgiver, almsgiving, almshouse, almsman, almswoman

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use alms in a sentence

Another piece might cause people to come up short is an elaborate green Burmese Buddhist alms bowl on a stand covered in gold.
Hello, ‘Gorgeous’: Grit and Glamour In San Francisco|Emily Wilson|June 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“You can't give alms to the poor on one level and have your hands on their throat on another,” he said.
The Clinton Global Initiative Kicks off With Tears, Impressions, and Fighting Words|Nina Strochlic|September 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A beggar asking alms under the character of a poor scholar, a gentleman put the question, Quomodo vales?
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various

To such a one he would say, 'Wilt thou cease to beg alms of Me in such a shameless manner?
Black Diamonds|Mr Jkai
The surplus was distributed in alms amongst the poor, a duty strenuously prescribed by their moral code.
Ancient Faiths And Modern|Thomas Inman
In point of fact, prayers are spoken of as if they were equivalent to sacrifice, alms-giving, or any other supposed virtue.
Ancient Faiths And Modern|Thomas Inman

British Dictionary definitions for alms

alms

/ (ɑːmz) /

pl n

charitable donations of money or goods to the poor or needy

Word Origin for alms

Old English ælmysse, from Late Latin eleēmosyna, from Greek eleēmosunē pity; see eleemosynary

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

alms

Origin of alms

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH alms

Words nearby alms

Words related to alms

How to use alms in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for alms

Word Origin for alms