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
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
Germain emphasized that while fraud in the program was rare, the layoffs left states with no federal oversight, raising questions about how funds will be managed when the current appropriation expires in September.
—
Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
In 1974, after President Richard Nixon refused to spend money as directed by appropriations laws, Congress passed the Impoundment Control Act to clarify that no President can unilaterally withhold such funds.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
In the coming fiscal year, appropriations to the general fund — a fund in the state’s budget used for Colorado programs — would jump by $1.5 million, while cash and federal funding for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will decrease by $1.8 million.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2025
When the Brevard Zoo decided to stop allowing political events, Fine pulled a $2 million appropriation.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appropriation
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Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
In 1974, after President Richard Nixon refused to spend money as directed by appropriations laws, Congress passed the Impoundment Control Act to clarify that no President can unilaterally withhold such funds.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
In the coming fiscal year, appropriations to the general fund — a fund in the state’s budget used for Colorado programs — would jump by $1.5 million, while cash and federal funding for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will decrease by $1.8 million.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2025
When the Brevard Zoo decided to stop allowing political events, Fine pulled a $2 million appropriation.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appropriation
Cite this Entry
“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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