expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər 

-də-ˌchu̇r,

-də-ˌt(y)u̇r

1

: the act or process of expending

an expenditure of energy

2

: something expended : disbursement, expense

income should exceed expenditures

Synonyms

• expense
• cost

Examples of expenditure in a Sentence

an increase in military expenditures

an increase in military expenditure

vast expenditures of time and effort

The energy expenditure was significant.

the expenditure of funds for the new school

The project will require an expenditure of effort on everyone's part.

Recent Examples on the Web

The core personal consumption expenditures price index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is currently chopping around 3%. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

That’s $2,250 above the national expenditure of $10,590. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025

Pet care expenditures by Americans totaled $152 billion in 2024, according to estimates from the American Pet Products Association. —Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2025

In 2024, of the more than 450 credit card charges of over $100 on his campaign expenditure report, the majority were for drinks and meals at various Sacramento restaurants and bars such as Chargins’ Bar & Grill, Karma Brew and Prelude Kitchen & Bar. —Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

irregular from expend

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər 

-də-ˌchu̇(ə)r

1

: the act of spending (as money, time, or energy)

2

: something that is spent

Legal Definition

expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər, -ˌchu̇r 

1

: the act or process of paying out

2

: something paid out see also capital expenditure