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.
Micron will also match employee donations to their own children's accounts, up to $1,000 per kid. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 8 July 2026 The foundation’s website is sparse, featuring a short mission statement, three stated goals, a donation button, and Pratt’s name. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026 Of the federation’s $264 million in revenue last year, $50 million came from donations, more than half of it restricted in how it could be spent. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 8 July 2026 The Fund has already raised $50 million and will match $1 from every ticket sold to World Cup matches in a donation to the tournament. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 July 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

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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 9 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on donation

Nglish: Translation of donation for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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