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
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
The benefit reductions for November are temporary, and SNAP recipients are expected to receive full benefits once the government shutdown ends and regular appropriations have been approved.
—
Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
The president has consistently framed the appropriations lapse as something Democrats have caused and only Democrats can solve, but the election results cap a shift in tone that suggests a resolution could come sooner – and with his approval.
—Stephen Fowler, NPR, 6 Nov. 2025
The 2025 shutdown, by comparison, has derailed 100% of appropriations.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
The deal has been hashed out by Democratic and Republican members of the Senate Appropriations Committee who have worked together to advance several appropriations bills earlier this year.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appropriation
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Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
The president has consistently framed the appropriations lapse as something Democrats have caused and only Democrats can solve, but the election results cap a shift in tone that suggests a resolution could come sooner – and with his approval.
—Stephen Fowler, NPR, 6 Nov. 2025
The 2025 shutdown, by comparison, has derailed 100% of appropriations.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
The deal has been hashed out by Democratic and Republican members of the Senate Appropriations Committee who have worked together to advance several appropriations bills earlier this year.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appropriation
Cite this Entry
“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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