Volunteer

/ˈvɒl.ən.tɪr/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who freely offers to take part in an activity or service without being paid.

She became a volunteer at the local animal shelter to help care for abandoned pets.

A person who offers to help with a cause or organization, especially for charitable purposes.

The volunteers organized a fundraiser to support disaster relief efforts.

verb

To offer oneself for a service or undertaking voluntarily.

He decided to volunteer for the community cleanup event this weekend.

To give one's time or services without expecting payment.

Many people volunteer their time in various community projects.

From the French 'volontaire', from Latin 'voluntarius' meaning 'willing'.

volunteer work:

Unpaid work performed for the benefit of the community.

volunteer firefighter:

A firefighter who offers their services without pay.

volunteer army:

A military force made up of individuals who enlist voluntarily.

To sign up for something without being asked.

I just volunteered to help with the event.

To step up and take charge.

He volunteered to lead the project.