earmark

1 of 2

noun

ear·​mark ˈir-ˌmärk 

1

: a mark of identification on the ear of an animal

2

: a distinguishing mark

all the earmarks of poverty

3

: a provision in Congressional legislation that allocates a specified amount of money for a specific project, program, or organization

earmark

2 of 2

verb

earmarked; earmarking; earmarks

transitive verb

1

a

: to mark (livestock) with an earmark

b

: to mark in a distinguishing manner

2

: to designate (something, such as funds) for a specific use or owner

money earmarked for education

Synonyms of earmark

Verb

• dedicate
• devote
• save

Examples of earmark in a Sentence

Verb

The project uses funds that had been earmarked for education.

the earnings from my second job have been earmarked for a down payment on a car

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Giving for opportunity earmarks funds for education, a home, or a business. — Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

McCrory’s role in delivering earmarks is the subject of a continuing FBI investigation. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

By formally uniting the issues of hunger and health, however, Mamdani can tap into funding already earmarked for Food as Medicine initiatives, helping address both the financial and health challenges facing the NYCG plan. — Marian Flaxman, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026

Kevin Keegan, a legend of both clubs, died last month and this game was always earmarked for special tributes. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for earmark

• ballpark
• benchmark
• birthmark
• daymark
• embark
• hallmark
• landmark
• monarch
• postmark
• remark
• skylark
• tetrarch

Kids Definition

earmark

1 of 2 noun

ear·​mark ˈi(ə)r-ˌmärk 

1

: a mark of identification on the ear of an animal

2

: a mark or quality by which something can be identified

the earmarks of success

earmark

2 of 2 verb

1

: to mark with or as if with an earmark

2

: to set aside for a special purpose

money earmarked for a vacation