apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
apportioned; apportioning ə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce apportion (audio)

transitive verb

: to divide and share out according to a plan
especially : to make a proportionate division or distribution of
Representatives are apportioned among the states.
apportionable adjective

Examples of apportion in a Sentence

The proceeds from the auction will be apportioned among the descendants. Apportion the expenses between the parties involved. The agency apportions water from the lake to residents.
Recent Examples on the Web Without absolving the Israeli government of the immense human and material costs of the war or the occupation, some Palestinian analysts have apportioned plenty of blame to Hamas for its violence and absolutist ideology. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024 Nebraska is heavily Republican overall but is one of two states — the other is Maine — that apportions its Electoral College votes by congressional district. L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 Nebraska overall is heavily Republican but is one of only two states — the other is Maine — that apportions its electoral college votes by congressional district. Margery A. Beck, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 This is the stage when key leadership positions are apportioned and the country’s new rulers angle for prize chunks of the executive pie. Shalom Lipner, Foreign Affairs, 26 Apr. 2018 See all Example Sentences for apportion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apportion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French aporcioner, apporcioner "to divide up, assess (a tax)," (also continental Middle French apporcionner), borrowed from Medieval Latin apportiōnāre, from Latin ap- ap- entry 1 + Medieval Latin portiōnāre "to divide into portions" — more at portion entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apportion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near apportion

Cite this Entry

“Apportion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apportion. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

apportion

verb
ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpōr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
-ˈpȯr-
apportioned; apportioning -sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce apportion (audio)
: to divide and distribute in proportion
apportionment
-shən-mənt
noun

Legal Definition

apportion

transitive verb
ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
: to make a usually proportionate division or distribution of (an amount due) according to a plan: as
a
: to divide (an amount due in tax or other liability) among the parties responsible for respective shares of the payment compare contribution
b
: to assign (a portion of the consideration agreed to in a contract) as payment for the other party's partial performance
c
: to distribute (corporate dividends) based on some proportion
d
: to assign (legislative representatives and taxes) among the states as provided by law
apportionable adjective
apportionment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on apportion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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