appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The architect Mark Roy Daniels produced a particularly opulent example of the Spanish Colonial style, which represented an Anglo appropriation of Alta California. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025 But much of its billion dollar budget comes from federal appropriations. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025 Driving the news: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has purchased 2,020 acres in Burnet County for $35 million using a combination of a one-time funding appropriation from the legislature and revenue from the sporting goods sales tax. Asher Price, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025 Here’s the thing: as is always the case with leftfield fashion trends that appear to rise up out of nowhere, the high fashion appropriation of Vibram toe shoes is signposting a collective mood shift in real time. Julia Hobbs, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for appropriation 

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appropriation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near appropriation

Cite this Entry

“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun
ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of appropriating
2
: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use

More from Merriam-Webster on appropriation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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