appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating something

2

: something that has been appropriated

specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use

the city's appropriation for schools

appropriative

ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• entitlement
• grant
• subsidy
• subvention

Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge

The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

During appearances last week before the House and Senate appropriations committees, Duffy boasted about saving taxpayers nearly $10 billion during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025

Fieldhouse and Mertens estimate that approximately 14 years passes between an appropriation shock and its peak effect on productivity growth. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Mainzer said the $25 million appropriation would fund around 200 school buses. —Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025

One of the few levers that Democrats in Congress presently have is the requirement of 60 Senators to pass appropriations bills. —ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for appropriation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating

2

: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use