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

Where possible, Fabscrap earmarks materials for reuse, selling them on via its online shop and in-person thrift store. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Hastert’s tenure was marked by a shift of power from committee chairmen to GOP leaders, fealty to the Bush administration and an explosion of congressional pet projects known as earmarks. — Michael Tarm, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

As for the starting rotation, the Royals have earmarked Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo and Noah Cameron to fill three of the five spots. — Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026

That tracks with a separate report earlier this year from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which also found that 19% of Beijing’s spending is earmarked for interest on debt. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 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