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 expectation is that some will eventually qualify for Section 8 rental subsidies. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026

Hong Kong can proactively court high-skilled labor through tax breaks, subsidies, and accelerated residency schemes. —Brian Wong, Fortune, 3 May 2026

Underlying that concern is that the government’s long-standing backing for the sector, in subsidies, tax breaks and other perks, has made Chinese cars unfair competitors that will wipe out global competition. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 May 2026

According to the evaluation, 83% of participants receiving housing subsidies remained housed after one year, exceeding the program’s retention goal, while 56% of 460 participants studied obtained subsidies and secured housing. —City News Service, Daily News, 2 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