tithe

1 of 2

noun

ˈtīt͟h 

1

: a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment

2

: the obligation represented by individual tithes

3

: tenth

broadly : a small part

4

: a small tax or levy

tithe

2 of 2

verb

tithed; tithing

transitive verb

1

: to pay or give a tenth part of especially for the support of a religious establishment or organization

2

: to levy a tithe on

intransitive verb

: to give a tenth of one's income as a tithe

Examples of tithe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In 2023, for example, VOUS brought in over $15 million in income from general tithes and other ministry gifts, and donated more than $1.3 million according to financial records found on VOUS’ website. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 16 June 2024

That Harvard lost this one ought to serve as a warning to those who have convinced themselves that the purpose of the American citizenry is to furnish a few members of a distant caste with ever-increasing tithes and never to ask how they are being spent. —Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 3 Jan. 2024

Verb

We were required to tithe some of our allowance at church. —R29 Team, refinery29.com, 14 Feb. 2024

The catch, though, is that Subway charges a king’s ransom from franchisees, who must tithe 12.5 percent of sales per week to HQ. —Whizy Kim, Vox, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English teogotha tenth; akin to Middle Low German tegede tenth, Old English tīen ten — more at ten

Verb

Middle English, from Old English teogothian, from teogotha tenth

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

tithe

1 of 2 verb

ˈtit͟h 

tithed; tithing

: to pay or give a tithe

tither noun

tithe

2 of 2 noun

: a tenth part (as of one's income) given especially as a contribution to a church

Etymology

Verb

Old English teogothian "to give a tenth part," from teogotha "tenth"