appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating something

2

: something that has been appropriated

specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use

the city's appropriation for schools

appropriative

ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms of appropriation

• subsidy
• grant
• allotment

Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge

The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

These early pieces synced with the bitter mindset of the Pictures Generation of the late 1970s and early ’80s, whose artists took up appropriation as a means of testing authorship and ownership. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

If voters approve the sales tax initiatives, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and KCK would be required to approve specific appropriations during future public meetings. — Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

The $1 million was included at Matsui’s request in the fiscal 2026 budget in January and became law April 30 as part of a congressional appropriations package. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Those appropriations will need to be approved by the Maryland General Assembly and Baltimore County Council. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing appropriation

• cultural appropriation

Rhymes for appropriation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating

2

: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use