expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər 

-də-ˌchu̇r, 

-də-ˌt(y)u̇r

1

: the act or process of expending

an expenditure of energy

2

: something expended : disbursement, expense

Your income should exceed your expenditures.

Synonyms of expenditure

• expense
• cost

Examples of expenditure in a Sentence

an increase in military expenditures

an increase in military expenditure

vast expenditures of time and effort

The energy expenditure was significant.

the expenditure of funds for the new school

The project will require an expenditure of effort on everyone's part.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mahan, who recently entered the race and is supported by Silicon Valley leaders, has quickly raised millions of dollars, as have two independent expenditures committees backing his bid. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Drinking enough fluids may slightly increase energy expenditure and help your body burn calories more efficiently. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 5 Mar. 2026

The majority of the new costs came from consultant expenditures for Austin Energy, Austin Economic Development, Austin Technology Services and Austin Aviation. —Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026

The records, which include emails between FEMA and Florida counterparts, document ongoing negotiations over what portion of Alligator Alcatraz’s expenditures would be covered under the federal government’s detention center reimbursement grant program. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from Medieval Latin expenditus, variant past participle of Latin expendere "to weigh, pay out, expend" + -ure

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər 

-də-ˌchu̇(ə)r

1

: the act of spending (as money, time, or energy)

2

: something that is spent

Legal Definition

expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər, -ˌchu̇r 

1

: the act or process of paying out

2

: something paid out see also capital expenditure