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

Not on a single income, and not without a subsidy that doesn’t exist for them. — Jonathan Tower, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

The nonprofit blames the lack of progress on government red tape and diminishing federal funding to provide subsidies and incentives. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 29 June 2026

In the past, many housing developers have shied away from building affordable housing because assembling the subsidies needed to make construction profitable is challenging. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Su expects the industry to eventually consolidate around a handful of major players, with the rest surviving on local government subsidies or support from other backers. — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 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