apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən 

apportioned; apportioning ə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to divide and share out according to a plan

especially : to make a proportionate division or distribution of

Representatives are apportioned among the states.

apportionable

ə-ˈpȯr-shə-nə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• allot
• assign
• allocate
• distribute

Examples of apportion in a Sentence

The proceeds from the auction will be apportioned among the descendants.

Apportion the expenses between the parties involved.

The agency apportions water from the lake to residents.

Recent Examples on the Web

The 435 House seats in Congress are apportioned to the states based on total population, including military personnel and U.S. government civilians temporarily deployed outside the state during a census, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. —Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025

The Trump administration is facing pressure to restore a public website that showed how funding is apportioned to federal agencies and that lawmakers on both sides say is required by law. —Aris Folley, The Hill, 12 May 2025

Top-flight leagues routinely negotiate multi-billion-dollar broadcasting agreements, the proceeds of which are apportioned based on club visibility, performance, and historical prestige. —Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

At the Pink Pony Club, everyone will be apportioned one pair of bright-white plastic buck teeth and a tube of super glue. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French aporcioner, apporcioner "to divide up, assess (a tax)," (also continental Middle French apporcionner), borrowed from Medieval Latin apportiōnāre, from Latin ap- ap- entry 1 + Medieval Latin portiōnāre "to divide into portions" — more at portion entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing apportion

• apportion blame

Rhymes for apportion

• abortion
• contortion
• distortion
• extortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

Kids Definition

apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpōr-shən 

-ˈpȯr-

apportioned; apportioning -sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to divide and distribute in proportion

apportionment

-shən-mənt

noun

Legal Definition

apportion

transitive verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən 

: to make a usually proportionate division or distribution of (an amount due) according to a plan: as

a

: to divide (an amount due in tax or other liability) among the parties responsible for respective shares of the payment compare contribution

b

: to assign (a portion of the consideration agreed to in a contract) as payment for the other party's partial performance

c

: to distribute (corporate dividends) based on some proportion

d

: to assign (legislative representatives and taxes) among the states as provided by law

apportionable adjective

apportionment noun