allocate
verb
al·lo·cate
ˈa-lə-ˌkāt 
allocated; allocating
1
: to apportion for a specific purpose or to particular persons or things : distribute
allocate tasks among human and automated components
2
: to set apart or earmark : designate
allocate a section of the building for special research purposes
Examples of allocate in a Sentence
Money from the sale of the house was allocated to each of the children.
We need to determine the best way to allocate our resources.
Have enough funds been allocated to finance the project?
Recent Examples on the Web
The Pentagon is reportedly struggling to allocate an extra half-trillion dollars that the administration wants to throw at it, though the war in Iran at a minimum will require additional funding to rebuild weapon stockpiles.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Because the nonjoint primary requires separate equipment for each party, Adams said the department had to allocate supplies on the scale of a presidential election.
—Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
The board decided last year that 80% of the money would be allocated specifically to homeless services, while the other 20% would be for other social services such as food security and health care.
—Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
Most financial experts recommend allocating no more than 5% to 10% of your portfolio to precious metals.
—Aly J Yale, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allocate
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Because the nonjoint primary requires separate equipment for each party, Adams said the department had to allocate supplies on the scale of a presidential election.
—Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
The board decided last year that 80% of the money would be allocated specifically to homeless services, while the other 20% would be for other social services such as food security and health care.
—Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
Most financial experts recommend allocating no more than 5% to 10% of your portfolio to precious metals.
—Aly J Yale, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allocate
Cite this Entry
“Allocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allocate. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
allocate
verb
al·lo·cate
ˈal-ə-ˌkāt
allocated; allocating
1
: to divide and distribute for a special reason or to particular persons or things
allocate funds among charities
2
: to set apart for a particular purpose
allocate materials for a project
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