subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē 

-zə-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift of money: such as

a

: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation

b

: money granted by one state to another

c

: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• appropriation
• entitlement
• grant
• subvention

Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit.

government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure

Recent Examples on the Web

Another possibility: Japan, where White was scouting for the third season before Thailand lured the production away with generous subsidies. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025

The food purchase and Farm to School programs acted as subsidies, allowing farmers to have reliable income at retail prices while helping organizations like food banks. —Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025

Meanwhile, transit agency operating revenue (excluding subsidies) rose 13.8% from December 2023 to $336.2 million in December 2024, falling $2.5 million short of December 2019 figures (Chart 1). —Ankit Mishra, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Is the administration considering any kind of offset, any kind of subsidy? —CBS News, 6 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subsidy

• anti-subsidy

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē 

-zəd-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift especially of money

especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public