# tithe

/ˈtaɪð/ (US) · /tˈaɪð/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tithe
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a payment of one-tenth of your income or produce to a church or religious leader. It was a common practice in the past to show your support for the local church.

For teachers: a tenth part of one's income, produce, or possessions paid as a religious tax or offering. Historically significant in various Christian traditions, particularly in the early medieval period.

## Examples

- The farmer paid his tithe to the local church every year.
- The historical records show that the village's tithe was collected in grain to support the local monastery.
- The abolition of the tithe in the nineteenth century marked a significant shift in the relationship between the state and the church, as it removed a primary source of ecclesiastical income.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.