volunteer

word

/ˌvɑɫənˈtɪɹ/
val-uhn-TEER
/vˌɒləntˈiə/
vol-uhn-TEE-uh

Definition

A volunteer is a person who offers to do something by choice, without being forced or usually without being paid. As a verb, it means to offer yourself for a task, help, or service.

Usage & Nuances

Common as both noun and verb: 'a volunteer' and 'to volunteer'. Often used with 'for' ('volunteer for the event') or 'to' ('volunteer to help'). It often suggests unpaid community or charity work, but it can also simply mean offering yourself for something.

Example Sentences

She is a volunteer at the local hospital.

basic

He volunteered to clean the park.

basic

We need more volunteers for the food drive.

basic

I volunteered for the weekend shift because no one else wanted it.

natural

A few parents volunteered to drive the kids to the game.

natural

Thanks for volunteering—that really helped us out.

natural