Definition of VOLUNTARY

voluntary

Meanings

Plural: voluntaries

Noun

  • (military) a person who freely enlists for service
  • composition (often improvised) for a solo instrument (especially solo organ) and not a regular part of a religious service or musical performance
  • A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.
  • A volunteer.
  • A supporter of voluntarism; a voluntarist.

Adjective

  • of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled
    • "man is a voluntary agent"
    • "participation was voluntary"
    • "voluntary manslaughter"
    • "voluntary generosity in times of disaster"
    • "voluntary social workers"
    • "a voluntary confession"
  • controlled by individual volition
    • "voluntary motions"
    • "voluntary muscles"

Adj

  • Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
  • Done by design or intention; intentional.
  • Working or done without payment.
  • Endowed with the power of willing.
  • Of or relating to voluntarism.

Adv

  • Voluntarily.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English *voluntarie, from Old French volontaire, from Latin voluntārius (“willing, of free will”), from voluntās (“will, choice, desire”), from volēns, present participle of volo (“to will”). Displaced native Old English selfwille (literally “self-willed”).

Scrabble Score: 15

voluntary is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
voluntary is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
voluntary is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 18

voluntary is a valid Words With Friends word