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noun

alms

ahmz

Alms (noun) means Money, food, or other help given to the poor as charity. Example: “The monastery distributed alms to beggars every Friday.”

noun
1
Money, food, or other help given to the poor as charity.
"The monastery distributed alms to beggars every Friday."

How to use alms

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCharity given to people in need — an old-fashioned word, mostly seen in religious or historical contexts today.

Common pairings
give alms alms for the poor

Word forms

alms plural, Almses plural

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The monastery distributed _____ to beggars every Friday.

Etymology

From Old English ælmesse, borrowed ultimately from Ancient Greek eleēmosúnē, "pity, mercy" — the same root that gives "eleemosynary".

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for alms

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Frequently asked questions

What does “alms” mean?

The word “alms” means money, food, or other help given to the poor as charity. In plain terms, charity given to people in need — an old-fashioned word, mostly seen in religious or historical contexts today.

How do you pronounce “alms”?

“Alms” is pronounced ahmz (/ɑmz/ in IPA).

How do you use “alms” in a sentence?

Here is “alms” used in a sentence: “The monastery distributed alms to beggars every Friday.”

What part of speech is “alms”?

“Alms” is a noun.

Where does the word “alms” come from?

The word “alms” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old English ælmesse, borrowed ultimately from Ancient Greek eleēmosúnē, "pity, mercy" — the same root that gives "eleemosynary".

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