English · Word Candidate

voluntary

/ˈvɒl.ən.tɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: voluntaries

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

Adjective

Examples

September 10, 1828, Nathaniel William Taylor, Sermon delivered in the Chapel of Yale College That sin or guilt pertains exclusively to voluntary action is the true principle of orthodoxy.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Done by design or intention; intentional.

Adjective

Examples

If a man accidentally kills another by lopping a tree, it is not voluntary manslaughter.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A volunteer.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “voluntary” mean?

Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

Is “voluntary” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.