noun · A2

Gift

GIFT/ɡɪft/

A gift is something you give someone, usually for a birthday, wedding, or thank-you: a birthday gift, a gift for Mum, wrap a gift. Present is the everyday twin; gift can sound a little more formal or shop-like (a gift shop, a free gift with this magazine). Gift is countable: two gifts. Do not confuse it with talent — a gift for languages is a later, figurative use.

Meaning

Something that you give to someone as a present.

Examples

“She bought a gift for her friend.”
“Thank you for the lovely gift.”
“They exchanged gifts at the end of the course.”

Good to know

a birthday / wedding gift. a gift for + person. Close: present.

Near in meaning

present

New