What does "donation" mean?

1. (a gift to charity) money or goods that you give to an organization, like a charity, to help them with their work. 2. (medical/biological) the act of giving blood or a body organ to help someone who is sick.

How do you use "donation"?

often used in the compound 'blood donation' or 'organ donation'.

donation

US //doʊˈneɪʃən// UK //dəʊnˈeɪʃən// do·na·tion

1 a gift to charity (n.)
B1 Intermediate

money or goods that you give to an organization, like a charity, to help them with their work.

a voluntary gift or contribution, typically of money or physical goods, provided to a non-profit or charitable entity.

Example

The local food bank received a large donation of canned goods from the school.

Example

The museum's expansion was made possible by a generous private donation from an anonymous benefactor who wished to support the arts.
2 medical/biological (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

the act of giving blood or a body organ to help someone who is sick.

the provision of biological material, such as blood, plasma, or organs, for medical treatment or research.

Example

The hospital is asking for more blood donations because their supplies are low.

Example

Organ donation remains a critical component of modern transplant surgery, requiring clear legal consent from the donor or their next of kin.

Usage

often used in the compound 'blood donation' or 'organ donation'.

Origin

From Middle English donacion, donation, from Middle French donation, from Latin dōnātiō (“a present”), from dōnō (“to give”), from dōnum (“a gift”). Recorded in English since the 15th century. Equivalent to donate + -ion.