plural budgets
1
a
: an amount of money available for spending that is based on a plan for how it will be spent
What's the average weekly/monthly/annual budget for a family of five?
The film has a million-dollar budget.
He's been trying to live on a budget of less than $1,500 a month.
a movie with a big budget = a big-budget movie [=a movie that costs a lot of money to make]
a movie with a low/small budget = a low-budget movie [=a movie that does not cost a lot of money to make]
The project was completed on schedule and under budget. [=it was completed for less money than had been planned]
We're still within budget. [=we still are not spending more money than we planned to spend]
The director always goes over budget on his films. [=the director always spends more money than is planned]
—often used before another nounThe governor will discuss the state's budget deficit/surplus.
a budget crisis
budget cuts
b
: a plan used to decide the amount of money that can be spent and how it will be spent
We'll have to work out a budget so we can buy a new car.
The government may have to raise taxes to balance the budget. [=to have enough money to provide the amount that is being spent]
Note: If you are on a budget, you have planned how you will spend your money usually because you do not have a lot to spend and need to save money.
2
: an official statement from a government about how much it plans to spend during a particular period of time and how it will pay for the expenses
budgets; budgeted; budgeting
1
: to plan to spend (an amount of money) for a particular purpose
They budgeted millions of dollars to make the film.
The project is budgeted at more than $100,000.
He budgets $50 for entertainment each month.
2
: to make and follow a plan for spending your money
If we budget carefully, we will be able to go on the trip.
We're budgeting [=saving our money] for a new car.
3
: to plan how to use (something, such as your time)
I need to learn how to budget my time more wisely.
always used before a noun
: low in price : suitable for someone who is on a budget
budget hotels
Cite this Entry
“Budget.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/budget. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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