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

While the bill doesn't include a dollar amount, DeLano said the plan is to request $50 million in appropriations later in the session. —Alex Rozier Mississippi Today, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026

During each annual appropriations cycle, lawmakers can make requests to steer money to their states and districts. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026

Before Tuesday, the most recent party-line vote failure occurred in July involving cryptocurrency and appropriations bills. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026

Members must do their jobs on time, pass appropriations bills, negotiate in good faith and end last-minute spending packages. —Charlotte Observer, 11 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