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

The appropriations bill will advance to the Senate floor, but it's not yet scheduled. —Worth Sparkman, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025

Pelosi emphasized that appropriations leaders Rosa DeLauro and Patty Murray had presented a better alternative — a four-week extension to allow for continued negotiations. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

One track provides appropriations committees with a top-line amount for discretionary spending. —Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Regardless, Lamont must comply with the spending cap, which keeps appropriations in line with household income and inflation. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for appropriation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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