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 of appropriation

• subsidy
• grant
• allotment

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

Universities can also request that state and federal legislators allocate funding in their yearly appropriations bills for research. —Brian Herman, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

And so this would have to be money that would be an appropriation. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

His bill passed 6-4 and continues to the full appropriations committee. —Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 20 Feb. 2026

The new Public Corruption Unit will be aimed identifying, investigating, and prosecuting corruption involving public funds and legislative appropriations, according to information provided by Uthmeier. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

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