generous actions or donations to aid people who are poor, ill, or needy.
to devote one's life to charity.
something given to a person or persons in need; alms.
She asked for work, not charity.
a charitable act or work.
a charitable fund, foundation, or institution.
He left his estate to a charity.
benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in disfavor.
She looked so hungry that we fed her out of charity.
leniency in judging others; forbearance.
She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.
Christian love; agape.
the giving of help, money, food, etc, to those in need
( as modifier )
a charity show
an institution or organization set up to provide help, money, etc, to those in need
( as modifier )
charity funds
the help, money, etc, given to the needy; alms
a kindly and lenient attitude towards people
love of one's fellow men
First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English charite, from Old French charite, cherite, from Latin cāritāt- (stem of cāritās “high price, costliness, dearness, affection, esteem”), equivalent to cār(us) “costly, dear” + -itāt- noun suffix; see cherish, Kama, caress; see also -ity
Charity is the donation of something, like money, to a cause or person in need. Before offering charity to someone, make sure he is, in fact, needy, and not just some fashion fiend dressed like a homeless person! Charity comes in many forms including monetary donation, volunteering, or providing clothes and food for those less fortunate. The Greek poet Homer said, “The charity that is a trifle to us can be precious to others.” Think of charity, then, as something that may cost you a little, but can benefit someone else greatly. Charity also refers to a nice way to treat people, an organization that helps people, or a plant with blue and white flowers.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tuesday's verdict coincides with the start of a week of engagements in the UK for Prince Harry, starting with an event in London for the Invictus Games, his charity for injured military veterans.
From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026
More than 85% of the UK's saltmarsh habitat has been lost through "centuries" of industialisaiton, the charity said, which stripped away the muddy banks and altered the flow and speed of the river.
From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026
The Duke of Sussex will begin a week of engagements having returned to the UK, starting with an event in London for the Invictus Games, his charity for injured military veterans.
From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026
His visit will take place as part of a trip to the UK where he will attend the Invictus Games in Birmingham and charity events.
From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026
She’s the person I’ve spent the least amount of time with on this trip, quiet and thoughtful, and a retired college professor always busy with charity work.
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
