block grant

noun

: an unrestricted grant made by the U.S. federal government to state and local governments to be used at their discretion to pay especially for social services that were formerly paid for through specific federal programs

Examples of block grant in a Sentence

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.
Funding for the initiative comes from the U.S. Department of Energy, through a block grant that was part of the federal government’s 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025 Under this plan, agreements for the small states block grant could be executed by June 30 if finalized by Friday. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 The House bill similarly adds early childhood funds to state block grants. Scott White, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 The administration has also attempted to block grants and reduce funding for research institutions. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for block grant

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of block grant was in 1966

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Cite this Entry

“Block grant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/block%20grant. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

block grant

noun
: an unrestricted federal grant

More from Merriam-Webster on block grant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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