donation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause
    contribution.
  2. noun act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity
    contribution.

WordNet

Do*na"tion noun
Etymology
L. donatio; cf. F. donation.
Definitions
  1. The act of giving or bestowing; a grant.
    After donation there an absolute change and alienation of the property of the thing given. South.
  2. That which is given as a present; that which is transferred to another gratuitously; a gift.
    And some donation freely to estate On the bless'd lovers. Shak.
  3. (Law) The act or contract by which a person voluntarily transfers the title to a thing of which be is the owner, from himself to another, without any consideration, as a free gift. Bouvier. Bartlett. Syn. -- Gift; present; benefaction; grant. See Gift.

Webster 1913