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

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• appropriation
• entitlement
• grant
• subvention

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

During the interview, which took place at the CEO Initiative dinner, Murray and Robbins discussed the state of stakeholder capitalism, how much influence the Business Roundtable yields, and whether or not American industries should receive government subsidies. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

These have included the removal of import tariffs on EVs and an exemption on Norway’s 25% VAT charge, as well as subsidies on toll road charges. —Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 3 Apr. 2024

Generous subsidies are helping the United States steal green industries from Europe, as countries race to secure the energy supplies of the future. —Roger Cohen Ivor Prickett, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024

Western governments have expanded investigations into unfair Chinese trade practices like subsidies and dumping. —Christian Shepherd, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024

The federal subsidy program also provided a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, computer or tablet. —Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2024

The ruling will affect about a third of the roughly 180,000 seminary students who receive subsidies from the government for full-time studies, according to Israel’s Channel 12 TV station, which said the subsidies could be temporarily covered by the governing coalition’s discretionary funds. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 29 Mar. 2024

The complaint alleges the Biden administration’s new rules on electric vehicle subsidies are discriminatory. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Extra federal funding means Californians can receive enhanced subsidies for health insurance through 2025. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2024

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