1
: the act of benefiting
2
: a benefit conferred
especially : a charitable donation

Examples of benefaction in a Sentence

the generous benefaction from an anonymous donor meant the animal shelter could stay open
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The evening ended with the iconic funk band The Bar-Kays bringing everyone to the dance floor for a boogie to celebrate a night of benefaction. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 5 Mar. 2024 Clear thinking, unvarnished assessments, and reference to those timeless lessons: These are the benefactions that National Review Institute brings to the public square. Peter J. Travers, National Review, 30 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin benefaction-, benefactio, from Latin bene facere to do good to, from bene + facere to do — more at do

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of benefaction was in 1635

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Benefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefaction. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

benefaction

noun
bene·​fac·​tion
ˈben-ə-ˌfak-shən,
ˌben-ə-ˈfak-
1
: the action of benefiting
2
: a benefit given
especially : a donation to charity

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