noun

offering

AW-fer-ing/ˈɔːfərɪŋ/

Something presented for acceptance or use.

The basket of pears is an offering that the man reaches to accept.

A woman extends a small open basket of ripe pears toward a man, who reaches to accept one.

Etymology

ofLatintoward, before

+ferLatinto bring, carry

+ingEnglishact or result

The image of “bringing before” appears in the noun's early sense of a gift presented to a deity. It broadened to things presented to people, including goods for sale.

In context

dropsofsunlight17:15

I just give them an offering and I'm like I want to give you this to show you my love and appreciation. Um, here you go.

How to worship the Greek gods? — Hellenic polytheism 101

More examples

The museum's online offerings include lectures and virtual tours.
She leaves an offering of flowers at the shrine.
This software is the company's first offering for small businesses.

Forms

offering · offerings

offer verb — To present something for acceptance or use.

Similar words

gift: Something given freely, rather than made available for purchase.
product: Something produced for sale, rather than any presented item.
contribution: Something given to support a shared purpose or effort.