appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating something

2

: something that has been appropriated

specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use

the city's appropriation for schools

appropriative

ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• entitlement
• grant
• subsidy
• subvention

Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge

The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yee-Wallace questioned whether the remaining damages — the punitive damages — would come from a state Department of Administration fund or Boise State’s general appropriations. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025

Anderson gave us the Puzzle bag, the Gate bag, and a celebrated high-fashion appropriation of the humble market tote. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025

This year, with a 219-215 majority, Johnson can only afford to lose one vote to pass any one of the 12 appropriations bills along party lines. —Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025

The House controls policy and appropriations (spending) and can cut programs, departments, agencies, as well as make new laws like term limits and pass a balanced budget amendment. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating

2

: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use