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

Telle’s legislative experience also includes working with the Senate appropriations committee’s subcommittee to manage the Department of Homeland Security’s budget. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2026

On Tuesday members of the House of Representatives voted 370-48, with 14 members not voting, to adopt a Senate appropriations bill that will continue funding federal agencies until December 11. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026

Lawmakers eventually voted to reopen the government, approving bipartisan appropriations bills covering each federal agency. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026

Edwards quickly gained the trust of House leaders, who placed him on the appropriations committee and the budget committees. — Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 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