dōˈnāshən sometimes dəˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English donatyowne, from Latin donation-, donatio, from donatus (past participle of donare to give as a gift, present, grant, from donum gift, from dare to give) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at date
1. archaic : a formal grant of sovereignty or dominion
2. : the action of making a gratuitous gift or free contribution especially to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution or utility
yearly donation of prizes for scholastic and athletic achievement
3. : voluntary alienation of property : gratuitous transfer of property from one to another
4.
a. : assignment of public land on liberal terms under act of Congress to settlers
b. : a portion of land so assigned
owner of the donation land claim on which the town was built
5. : a free contribution : gift
the money value of donations to needy applicants