disbursement

noun

dis·​burse·​ment dis-ˈbərs-mənt How to pronounce disbursement (audio)
: the act of paying out money especially from a fund : the act of disbursing
the disbursement of government funds
also : funds paid out
received monthly disbursements

Did you know?

Disbursement was minted in English in the late 16th century by melding the noun suffix -ment with the verb disburse (which in turn comes, in part, from the Medieval Latin word bursa, meaning “money bag”). During the 16th and 17th centuries, deburse, depurse, and dispurse were deposited in the English language bank as synonyms of disburse. Deburse and depurse were also used respectively to form debursement and depursement, but these synonyms of disburse and disbursement all quickly declined in value and were never redeemed.

Examples of disbursement in a Sentence

substantial disbursements for research and development the disbursement of the foundation's funds to several cancer research centers
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.
Even temporary disruptions to the disbursement of SNAP benefits can harm American kids. Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 14 Nov. 2025 The state estimates there are 4,000 households that will not receive a partial disbursement as a result of the partial allotment calculation and will have to wait until full funding is restored. Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025 The states argue that the USDA’s shifting instructions—first reducing payments by 50 percent and then by 35 percent—create serious administrative risks that could lead to incorrect or delayed food-aid disbursements. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025 Some pawn shop owners are watching the disbursement of SNAP benefits closely, said Clay Baron, owner of Dave’s A Pawnshop in downtown El Paso, Texas. Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disbursement

Word History

Etymology

disburse + -ment, perhaps after Middle French desboursement

First Known Use

circa 1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disbursement was circa 1599

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Cite this Entry

“Disbursement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disbursement. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

disbursement

noun
dis·​burse·​ment dis-ˈbər-smənt How to pronounce disbursement (audio)
: the act of disbursing
also : funds paid out

More from Merriam-Webster on disbursement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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