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 Mumford
a 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
It was settled on very generous 15-year terms that bind only the company, not her. —Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026 The mix-ins were generous, with plenty of crunchy Butterfinger pieces in every bite, which gave the scoop a nice balance between creamy and crisp texture. —Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026 Court records do not explain why the more generous benefit and eligibility requirements in the first plan underwent significant revisions. —Craig R. McCoy, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Set the scene The 12-bedroom property, hidden discreetly behind high walls, feels like a mini country manor house, furnished with seven generous suites and five garden pavilions housing more modest, colorful cottage bedrooms. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 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.
Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026 The mix-ins were generous, with plenty of crunchy Butterfinger pieces in every bite, which gave the scoop a nice balance between creamy and crisp texture. —Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026 Court records do not explain why the more generous benefit and eligibility requirements in the first plan underwent significant revisions. —Craig R. McCoy, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Set the scene The 12-bedroom property, hidden discreetly behind high walls, feels like a mini country manor house, furnished with seven generous suites and five garden pavilions housing more modest, colorful cottage bedrooms. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for generous
Cite this Entry
“Generous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/generous. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generous
adjective
gen·er·ous ˈjen-(ə-)rəs
generously adverb
generousness noun
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