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

In the United States, these efforts should begin with a congressional appropriation of funds to refill and modernize the depleted Strategic Petroleum Reserve, now at its lowest level in nearly five decades. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

The Legislature’s two appropriation committees do not hold public votes before advancing or holding back measures on their desk. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026

School leaders blame steady enrollment decline and a state appropriation that has stayed the same since 2018. — Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

But once similar requirements appear in state statutes, appropriations bills or governing-board directives, the institution no longer controls the terms. — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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