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

So companies are spreading the risk, establishing beach-heads in other countries with easier access to soft moneys, whether tax incentives for shoots or straight subsidies, or both such as in Spain. —John Hopewell, Variety, 1 Dec. 2025

Federal and cantonal governments combined now spend the equivalent of about seven million dollars a year to keep Romansh alive, including subsidies for the Lia Rumantscha. —Simon Akam, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

One thing that is going to affect purchasing power for 22 million Americans is the expiration of Obamacare premium subsidies. —CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025

Well, first of all, obviously, there's a united front on fighting for the ACA subsidies. —ABC News, 30 Nov. 2025

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