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 enhanced subsidies helped enrollment in Obamacare eclipse a record 24 million Americans and drove its popularity to all-time highs. —Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

So far, the group has raised $50 million toward the effort, including about $30 million in subsidies from a mix of the Orange County Government, the City of Orlando, and a federal infusion from Congress. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026

San Francisco—which adopted Housing First in 2009—is illustrative, with 60 percent of its massive homelessness budget being spent on housing subsidies for the formerly homeless. —Christopher Calton, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

Other regions are offering subsidies to renovate, or even giving properties away for free, provided buyers commit to living in them. —Mark Dent, HubSpot, 8 May 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