subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē 

-zə-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift of money: such as

a

: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation

b

: money granted by one state to another

c

: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms of subsidy

• grant
• allotment
• appropriation

Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit.

government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure

Recent Examples on the Web

As pandemic-era ACA subsidies expire, premiums spike across Florida, forcing hundreds of thousands to drop coverage and pushing gig workers and small-business owners to gamble with their health. — Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Soto voted with Democrats and some Republicans — including a few from Florida — to save the subsidies last year. — Ali Swenson, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

At least 95,000 children were on the state’s childcare subsidy waitlist, as of late 2024. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026

Individuals earning above that amount were not eligible for the subsidy. — Robert Applebaum, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subsidy

• anti-subsidy

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē 

-zəd-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift especially of money

especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public