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

While some lawmakers quietly ask for earmarks, Collins is loud and proud about hers. —Garrett Downs, CNBC, 15 May 2026

Porter has slammed lawmakers, including Democrats, for stock trading and funneling earmark funding to their home districts, arguing that such practices breed corruption and mistrust in Congress. —Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

Verb

In the biennial budget passed last year, lawmakers had earmarked a $30 million increase in funding for Medicaid reimbursement rates in fiscal year 2027. —Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026

The pace has been so slow that federal grant money earmarked for some projects will have to be returned due to the lack of progress. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 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