gift
gihft
Gift (noun) means something given to someone freely, without payment expected in return. Example: “She wrapped the gift and left it under the tree.”
noun
1
Something given to someone freely, without payment expected in return.
"She wrapped the gift and left it under the tree."
"Thank you so much for the birthday gift."
"The neighbours left a small gift on our doorstep to welcome us."
2
A natural talent or ability.
"He has a gift for making complicated ideas sound simple."
"My sister has a gift for languages and picks up new ones quickly."
"Even as a child, she showed a real gift for music."
verb
1
To give something as a gift.
"His grandmother gifted him her old watch."
"The company gifted every new employee a notebook and a pen."
"I plan to gift my cousin a set of paints for her wedding."
How to use gift
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you give someone for free, or a natural talent someone is born with.
Common mistake
As a verb, "gift" can sound overly formal or salesy in everyday speech — "give" is usually more natural ("he gave me a watch" rather than "he gifted me a watch"), though the verb use has become common in casual English.
Common pairings
a gift for languages
gift someone something
wrap a gift
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Word forms
- Plural
- gifts
- Third person singular
- gifts
- Past tense
- gifted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wrapped the _____ and left it under the tree.
Etymology
From Old English gift ("giving, dowry") and Old Norse gipt, both from a Germanic root shared with "give." Interestingly, the same root produced the German word Gift, which now means "poison."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for gift
See all rhymes for gift →Frequently asked questions
What does “gift” mean?
The word “gift” means something given to someone freely, without payment expected in return. In plain terms, something you give someone for free, or a natural talent someone is born with.
How do you pronounce “gift”?
“Gift” is pronounced gihft (/ɡɪft/ in IPA).
How do you use “gift” in a sentence?
Here is “gift” used in a sentence: “She wrapped the gift and left it under the tree.”
What is another word for “gift”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gift” include favor, benefaction, boon, concession, donative and fairing.
What part of speech is “gift”?
Depending on how it is used, “gift” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gift” come from?
The word “gift” comes from Old English. From Old English gift ("giving, dowry") and Old Norse gipt, both from a Germanic root shared with "give." Interestingly, the same root produced the German word Gift, which now means "poison.".
Is “gift” a common word?
“Gift” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “gift” have?
“Gift” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something given to someone freely, without payment expected in return.
What is the difference between a gift and a present?
A gift and a present are almost identical, and in most situations you can use either word. 'Present' tends to suggest something handed over for a specific occasion, like a birthday, while 'gift' is broader — it can also mean a donation, a natural talent, or something given for no particular reason at all.
Can the word 'gift' mean a talent?
Yes. Besides meaning something you give away, 'gift' also describes a natural ability or aptitude — a talent you are born with rather than one you learn. Someone with a gift for music or languages has an instinctive skill for it. This sense is where the adjective 'gifted' comes from.
Is a gift always free?
By definition, yes — a true gift is given without expecting payment in return. That is what separates it from a sale or a loan. In practice, gifts can still carry unspoken social expectations, like giving one back in return, but there is no formal price or obligation to repay attached to it.
What is an example of a gift?
A birthday present, a wedding donation, or flowers brought to a host are all everyday gifts, because they are handed over freely with nothing expected in return. Charitable donations count too. The key feature is that no payment is involved — if money changes hands as a fair exchange, it is a purchase, not a gift.
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