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

When Congress fails to pass its 12 appropriations bills as prescribed by law and the previous round of funding expires, the government shuts down. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 20 July 2026

The measure, part of the annual State Department appropriations bill, now heads to the Senate. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 17 July 2026

The amendment, considered on the floor as part of the annual National Security, Department of State, and related programs appropriations bill, saw 103 Democrats vote yes. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

Designed for rapid manufacturing The Department of War expects the FAMM initiative to deliver as many as 28,000 missiles during its first five years, subject to congressional authorization and appropriations. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 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