apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
apportioned; apportioning ə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce apportion (audio)

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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Advertisement There have been persistent disagreements about how triggers for water cutbacks should be determined and how those reductions should be apportioned. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024 Ford Is Not Alone However, some the blame for Ford's and the wider EV industry's problems is being apportioned to draconian European climate targets as well. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Rubio has apportioned the blame for the recent misery in the region to Iran's leadership. Billal Rahman, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 Self-interest in apportioning scarce resources for development would not be a sin (although the United States must continue to offer humanitarian assistance after natural disasters or emergencies wherever it is needed). Robert M. Gates, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2020 See all Example Sentences for apportion 

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near apportion

Cite this Entry

“Apportion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apportion. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

apportion

verb
ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpōr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
-ˈpȯr-
apportioned; apportioning -sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce apportion (audio)
: to divide and distribute in proportion
apportionment
-shən-mənt
noun

Legal Definition

apportion

transitive verb
ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on apportion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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