subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē 

-zə-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift of money: such as

a

: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation

b

: money granted by one state to another

c

: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms of subsidy

• grant
• allotment
• appropriation

Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit.

government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure

Recent Examples on the Web

But ownership, capital costs, subsidy structures, power prices, interconnection queues, and supply chains are all key considerations. —Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

An Amazon spokesperson responded to the Good Jobs First subsidy tracker in a statement. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 20 June 2026

The new findings published Thursday draw on a survey conducted from October to December 2025 — before major recent changes to health policy, like Congress’ Medicaid cuts or its decision not to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, took effect. —Ali Swenson, Fortune, 20 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subsidy

• anti-subsidy

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē 

-zəd-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift especially of money

especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public