subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē 

-zə-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift of money: such as

a

: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation

b

: money granted by one state to another

c

: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• appropriation
• entitlement
• grant
• subvention

Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit.

government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure

Recent Examples on the Web

Lukashenko's support for the war in Ukraine has led to the rupture of Belarus' ties with the U.S. and the EU, ending his gamesmanship of using the West to try to win more subsidies from the Kremlin. —CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025

Electronic device, electronic component, computer makers and communication equipment makers all outperformed as investors warm to the new trade in subsidies. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

That study estimated that monthly premiums on the second-lowest-cost silver plans — the ones used to set subsidies — were about $100 lower in Colorado than in states that also have a reinsurance program, but don’t have a public option. —Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2025

All four of the state’s FBS schools ranked in the top 20 in student fee subsidies in fiscal 2023, according to Sportico‘s college sports finances database. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subsidy

• anti-subsidy

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē 

-zəd-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift especially of money

especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public