donate
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
donatesimple
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donatessimple
-
have donatedperfect
-
has donatedperfect
-
am donatingprogressive
-
are donatingprogressive
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is donatingprogressive
-
have been donatingperfect progressive
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has been donatingperfect progressive
Past
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donatedsimple
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had donatedperfect
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was donatingprogressive
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were donatingprogressive
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had been donatingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of donate
1775–85, probably back formation from donation
Explanation
To donate means to give something — money, goods, or time — to some cause, such as a charity. The word has a more altruistic meaning than does simply "giving"; it suggests that you don't expect anything in return for the contribution. The verb donate has always meant "to give," all the way back to the Latin verb donāre, "to give as a gift." Trace it back even further, to the ancient Indo-European roots, and you still have that same feeling to the word — "a gift." But it's more than a gift — it's a gift with the intention of helping. As an African proverb says, "If everybody in town donates one thread, the poor man has a shirt."
Vocabulary lists containing donate
Giving Words
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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for October 15–October 21, 2022
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The small chain, which prides itself on sustainability efforts, also has a bin in the lobby to donate clothing you don’t want to pack to bring home.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
With the support of coach Jason Bornn, the team will set up tables in the parking lot for people to donate and drop off items.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
"When we donate, we believe the money is going for God's work," he said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 19, 2026
The government's aim is to ensure only legitimate UK-linked businesses will be able to donate.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
We could probably get a printer to donate or work at cost, too.Then we sell ad space.
From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick
Betting is strictly regulated and the main, state-owned operator Norsk Tipping donates 64% , externalof its proceeds to sporting purposes, with the main distribution going towards facilities in the country.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
The Simon family, through a charitable foundation, donates to many causes, including a $5 million gift to Columbia University.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026
A millionaire who donates $30,000 this year is able to cut $11,100 from their taxes, the Fidelity Charitable spokesperson said.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 1, 2025
A nearby Tesco store donates tea and coffee but the club does not receive any grants.
From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2025
A private doctor donates his time to reconstruct a boy’s foot if Olga provides the materials for the operation.
From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario
The researchers examined both the animal models and tissue donated by patients.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026
The Dodgers donated more than $1 million to local organizations assisting those affected by the ICE raids.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
FareShare North East redistributes food donated by supermarkets from its warehouses in Newcastle and Middlesbrough to more than 200 community groups, including food banks.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
Coxe and his wife, Simone Coxe, own properties in California and Texas and have donated to political campaigns, including 2022 Texas gubernatorial hopeful Beto O’Rourke, a Democrat.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Even Mr. Spencer, our quiet neighbor, donated a check for fifteen dollars.
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
Museums have for a long time relied on wealthy individuals bequeathing, loaning or donating artefacts to build their science and art collections, explains Dr Smithwick, who recovers and sells fossils professionally.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
Kelly said she admires Swift and Kelce for donating to charity.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026
Worse, the patients were the ones feeling emotionally blackmailed into donating money.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
Kerlis Artigas, 30, is a physician who came from another state as part of the "Pink Brigade," a team of medical specialists and students caring for the injured and donating much-needed medication.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
“And she’s donating her favorite cord skirt and a pair of shoes.”
From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals
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.
