generous
adjective
gen·er·ous
ˈje-nə-rəs 
ˈjen-rə-
1
a
: liberal in giving : openhanded
a generous benefactor
b
: marked by abundance or ample proportions
wide overhangs and generous verandas—
Lewis Mumford
: copious
Lewis Mumforda thin salt-and-pepper moustache interrupted by a generous nose—Richard Zabel
Richard Zabel
c
: characterized by a noble or kindly spirit : magnanimous, kindly
a generous heart
2
archaic
: highborn
generously
adverb
generousness
noun
Examples of generous in a Sentence
The school raised the money through donations from generous alumni.
He was generous with both his time and his money.
She has always been very generous toward the poor.
This restaurant is known for its generous portions.
a generous helping of mashed potatoes
She has a generous heart.
He has generous sympathy for unemployed workers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Southern Living contributor Rick Bragg says the recipe is actually very simple: squishy white brand, salt and pepper, generous smears of mayo, and slices of juicy tomatoes.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
But in a high-tax country like Norway, where locals already fund generous public services, the idea of taxing tourists has been politically sensitive.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Cover the ice cream with sliced strawberries and drizzle on a generous amount of the wine sauce.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
With generous funding from the San Diego Foundation, the city is partnering with San Diego State University Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity (CEAL) and AARP as part of the Age Friendly Encinitas initiative.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for generous
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.
Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
But in a high-tax country like Norway, where locals already fund generous public services, the idea of taxing tourists has been politically sensitive.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Cover the ice cream with sliced strawberries and drizzle on a generous amount of the wine sauce.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
With generous funding from the San Diego Foundation, the city is partnering with San Diego State University Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity (CEAL) and AARP as part of the Age Friendly Encinitas initiative.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for generous
Cite this Entry
“Generous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generous. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generous
adjective
gen·er·ous
ˈjen-(ə-)rəs
generously
adverb
generousness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share