allot

verb

al·​lot ə-ˈlät How to pronounce allot (audio)
allotted; allotting

transitive verb

1
: to assign as a share or portion
allot 10 minutes for the speech
2
: to distribute by or as if by lot
allot seats to the press
allotter noun

Examples of allot in a Sentence

Each speaker will be allotted 15 minutes. The newspaper will allot a full page to each of the three mayoral candidates.
Recent Examples on the Web Despite not being on the agenda, he was allotted two minutes to express his views on the necessity of enhancing safety at dog parks. Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 The Joint Finance Committee could allot the money on its own but has not responded to Evers' previous requests to do so. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2024 The rest of the money will be allotted to the Complete Streets Coalition, a group dedicated to improving Louisville's roads and sidewalks. Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 20 Feb. 2024 The judge had indicated that roughly the star witness would likely be on the stand for that one day (though, it was made clear that if needed, further time would be allotted if demonstrably required). Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 But be warned—the entire experience is only allotted one hour and 45 minutes. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 The bill also allotted new aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, a longstanding request of Biden. USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024 The $125 million at the center of the debate was created as a part of the budget process last year, and immediately Republicans proposed legislation that would allot money for grant programs for things such as testing, remediation and research. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 Kareem Weaver says that especially in a district with challenging students, relatively inexperienced teachers, and little time allotted for teacher preparation, an overstuffed curriculum can be a disaster. Natalie Wexler, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alotten, borrowed from Anglo-French aloter, from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -loter, verbal derivative of lot "lot, portion, share," borrowed from Old Low Franconian *hlota-, going back to Germanic *hluta- — more at lot entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allot was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near allot

Cite this Entry

“Allot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allot. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

allot

verb
al·​lot ə-ˈlät How to pronounce allot (audio)
allotted; allotting
: to assign as a share or portion
allot 10 minutes for the speech

More from Merriam-Webster on allot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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