English Reference
noun

NGO

n.
US /ɛŋˈɡoʊ/ ngo

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    Stands for Non-Governmental Organisation. A group that operates independently from the government to help society or the environment.

    Abbreviation for Non-Governmental Organisation. A non-profit entity that operates independently of any government, typically at a local, national, or international level to serve a social or political goal.

    Simple

    She decided to volunteer for an NGO that provides clean water to rural villages.

    In context

    The international NGO coordinated with local authorities to distribute emergency medical supplies following the earthquake.

    non profitcharitycivil society organisation

The managing director of the environmental NGO OceanCare, Fabienne McLellan, agreed.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated