allowance

verb

allowanced; allowancing

transitive verb

1

archaic : to put on a fixed allowance (as of food and drink)

2

archaic : to supply in a fixed or regular quantity

Examples of allowance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, conversations about money (and allowances more generally) tend to look different depending on a family’s socioeconomic status, and most families are not using investment apps for their kids. —Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2025

Saladino recommends adding in foods by increasing your macros allowance a little bit at a time. —Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 30 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

derivative of allowance entry 1

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing allowance

• make allowance for
• make no allowance for
• make some allowance for
• mileage allowance

Rhymes for allowance

• disallowance

Kids Definition

allowance

noun

al·​low·​ance

ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s

1

a

: a share or portion given out

b

: a sum given

gets a weekly allowance

an allowance for expenses

c

: a reduction from a stated price

a trade-in allowance on a car

2

: an allowed difference between parts that fit together in a machine

3

: the act of allowing : permission

4

: an allowing for things that may partly excuse an offense or mistake or for things that may happen

make allowance for age

Legal Definition

allowance

noun

al·​low·​ance ə-ˈlau̇-əns 

1

: an allotted share: as

a

: a sum granted as a reimbursement or payment for expenses

an allowance to support the deceased's family

deduction for a moving allowance

b

: a sum granted as a reduction or increase

an allowance for depreciation

2

: an act of allowing

allowance of a deduction