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

Whereas many charities struggle these days to attract donors, in a sense both of these endurance fundraising programs have the opposite problem: too much demand for charity program entries. —David Hessekiel, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

From left to right: Brandon Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald Howard Lutnick, model Jenny McCarthy, and Kyle Lutnick attend the annual charity day hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC at the BGC office on September 11, 2013 in New York City. —Todd Gillespie, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2025

Proceeds benefit local charities through The Woman’s Club of Casselberry. 2 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of the month, The Woman’s Club of Casselberry, 251 Overbrook Drive, Casselberry, $5 for 10 games plus two optional bonus games, 407-947-2747. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025

But there’s not so much of it that the department cannot devote half of its tiny force to investigating the theft of a few hundred bucks from the donation bowl at a charity event, hosted by Hank to burnish his own reputation as a do-gooder. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for charity

• clarity
• parity
• rarity
• verity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity

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.