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 of subsidy

• grant
• allotment
• appropriation

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

Industrial subsidies have reached their highest levels since the 2008 financial crisis, but that's driven by the advanced economies. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 28 June 2026

States like Georgia and Oregon have shown what aligned policy can accomplish, linking child care access to postsecondary persistence and reforming subsidy programs to recognize that school and work are not mutually exclusive. — Enyi Okebugwu, Fortune, 28 June 2026

Fleming said such projects infringe on private property rights and federal government subsidies for the technology are wasteful. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

The states that move fastest will not necessarily be the ones with the most generous subsidies. — Tom Bitting, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

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