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

The house always wins Thaksin’s promise to improve the lives of the rural working classes, implement universal healthcare and subsidies for farmers earnt him a millions-strong following, particularly among his home base in the northeast. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

The president has largely put out most fires that started during his tenure, beginning with a national uproar in his first few months following the sensational end to petrol subsidies. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026

Although Congress has been scrambling in recent weeks to negotiate a deal that would restore the subsidies, prospects look grim. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026

Look at Annapolis’ obsession with offshore wind projects — big, ugly, industrial efforts that enrage residents, threaten marine life and provide unreliable power while depending entirely on massive ratepayer subsidies. —Justin Ready, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 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