appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
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 adjective

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
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.
The original text of the Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act called for the NASA administrator and the Smithsonian to jointly develop a plan for moving Discovery prior to appropriations being made by Congress. ArsTechnica, 4 July 2025 The new $5 million appropriation from the state is meant to enable UCSD to introduce a public health program at Southwestern as early as next year. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2025 Westfield hopes to ‘harvest relationships’ with South Korean leaders City councilors recently approved a $37,000 appropriation to fund a trip for Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and several other city leaders to visit South Korea. Jake Allen, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Hurricane Helene damage in East Tennessee resulted in a $478 million appropriation in federal disaster funds, TDOT spokesperson Greg Summers said. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for appropriation

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appropriation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun
ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of appropriating
2
: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use

More from Merriam-Webster on appropriation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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