donate

verb

do·​nate ˈdō-ˌnāt How to pronounce donate (audio)
dō-ˈnāt
donated; donating

transitive verb

1
: to make a gift of
especially : to contribute to a public or charitable cause
2
: to transfer (a particle, such as an electron) to another atom or molecule
Choose the Right Synonym for donate

give, present, donate, bestow, confer, afford mean to convey to another as a possession.

give, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means.

give alms
gave her a ride on a pony
give my love to your mother

present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver.

the trees afford shade
a development that affords us some hope

Examples of donate in a Sentence

The computers were donated by local companies. We donated our old clothes to charity. people who donate money to political candidates He donates some of his free time to volunteer work. Everyone is encouraged to donate. People are encouraged to donate blood. Please sign this form if you would like to donate your organs when you die. You can donate at the blood bank every eight weeks.
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, 21,300 square feet of signage was reused and 243 tons of building material donated to local organizations. Candace Oehler, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 In the midst of donating to the BLM movement, many brands also took the initiative (if not for public pressure) to revise their own hiring ethics and commit to more inclusive hiring, to reflect the diverse consumer market with fairer representation. Sheilla Mamona, refinery29.com, 18 Feb. 2025 The volunteer band of gardeners has donated time and energy to keep the Village looking great. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025 In response to the rising crime and limited resources to investigate, the state beekeepers association has partnered with the Pipkin Detective Agency, a private firm that specializes in agricultural crime, which has donated 50 hours toward investigating hive thefts. Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 18 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for donate 

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from donation

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of donate was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near donate

Cite this Entry

“Donate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/donate. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

donate

verb
do·​nate ˈdō-ˌnāt How to pronounce donate (audio)
dō-ˈnāt
donated; donating
: to make a gift of : contribute
donate blood
donator
-ˌnāt-ər
-ˈnāt-
noun

Legal Definition

donate

verb
do·​nate
donated; donating

transitive verb

: to transfer by a gift or donation

intransitive verb

: to make a donation compare give, sell

More from Merriam-Webster on donate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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