donation

noun

do·​na·​tion dō-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce donation (audio)
Synonyms of donationnext
: the act or an instance of donating: such as
a
: the making of a gift especially to a charity or public institution
b
: a free contribution : gift

Synonyms of donation

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Examples of donation in a Sentence

The organization is funded by private donations. We are grateful for the donation of whatever you can afford to give. trying to encourage the donation of blood
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last year, the swap collected hundreds of costume donations, including 10 boxes from the LA Clippers basketball team. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 The latest donation from the Citadel hedge fund founder comes as polls show the race between Donalds and Democratic candidate David Jolly tightening more than expected. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026 Opposition campaigns to the wealth tax as well as the two countermeasures have received enormous donations from several of the state’s billionaires. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 Fawcett scraped together donations and runs the pantry without pay. — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for donation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English donatyowne, from Latin donation-, donatio, from donare to present, from donum gift; akin to Latin dare to give — more at date

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of donation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing donation

Rhymes for donation

See All Rhymes for donation

Browse Nearby Words

donatio
donation
donation party
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Cite this Entry

“Donation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

donation

noun
do·​na·​tion dō-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce donation (audio)
: a giving of something without charge
also : the thing given (as to charity)

Legal Definition

donation

noun
do·​na·​tion
1
: the making of an especially charitable gift
2
in the civil law of Louisiana : a voluntary transfer of ownership of property from one person to another compare sale
— disguised donation
: a transfer of property (as a sale) that does not have a sufficient reciprocal consideration (as a proportional price) so that it is considered a gratuitous donation and must meet the statutory requirements for a donation (as a notarial act) to be valid

called also donation in disguise

compare simulation
— donation inter vivos \ -​ˌin-​tər-​ˈvī-​ˌvōs, -​ˌin-​ter-​ˈvē-​ˌvōs \
: a donation that transfers property owned by the donor and that takes effect upon the donee's acceptance compare gift inter vivos at gift
— donation mortis causa \ -​ˈmȯr-​tis-​ˈkȯ-​zə, -​ˈmȯr-​tēs-​ˈkau̇-​sä \
: a donation that is to take effect on the donor's death and that is revocable compare gift causa mortis at gift
3
: something that is transferred by a donation
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