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

Other measures in the relief package include fuel subsidies for farmers and fishermen, as well as for small-scale cargo ship operators. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026

The loss of subsidies has compounded with a record increase in the sticker price of unsubsidized plans. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

Brazil's diesel prices surged by more than 20% in March, prompting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to propose import subsidies through May. —ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026

Instead, all-affordable housing complexes in Connecticut get heavy subsidies through federal tax credits, state grants, local tax incentives or often a mix of all three. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 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