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
earmarked; earmarking; earmarks
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
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
Nik Popli, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
In a 58 to 42 vote, the Senate blocked a second amendment from Lee that would strike an earmark for a community and training center for a New York nonprofit that serves immigrants.
—CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2026
Another option would be a special purpose tax measure, which would earmark the funds but would require a two-thirds approval by voters.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earmark
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Noun
Some conservatives criticized earmarks in the bill and objected to foreign aid provisions.
—Nik Popli, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
In a 58 to 42 vote, the Senate blocked a second amendment from Lee that would strike an earmark for a community and training center for a New York nonprofit that serves immigrants.
—CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
About $6 million in grants is earmarked for innovative approaches to overcoming market barriers.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2026
Another option would be a special purpose tax measure, which would earmark the funds but would require a two-thirds approval by voters.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earmark
Cite this Entry
“Earmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earmark. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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 verb1
: to mark with or as if with an earmark
2
: to set aside for a special purpose
money earmarked for a vacation
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