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

Strategies outlined in the release include protecting, preserving and restoring affordable homes; providing direct subsidies and increasing access to homeownership for first-time homebuyers; preventing evictions and foreclosures; and working with employers on workforce housing needs. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2025

In December, the China Film Administration launched a public subsidy campaign, while local governments like Beijing and Guangdong distributed cinema vouchers ahead of the holiday. —Hassan Tayir, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025

The subsidies apply for sales online, too, where shoppers find a deluge of deals on everything from movie tickets to restaurants to travel. —Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 5 Feb. 2025

Some Sacramento buyers have been scoring lower mortgage rates, as low as 4%, on new construction, Frank said Unlike families selling their older homes, builders of new construction, often in complexes, are able to take advantage of government subsidies and other tools to lower costs. —Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 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