plural earmarks
: a mark or quality that shows what something is or what it could be
The business plan had (all) the earmarks of success. [=it seemed likely to succeed]
earmarks; earmarked; earmarking
1
: to say that something will be used or treated in a specified way
—often used as (be) earmarked
The old building has been earmarked for demolition.
2
: to put (money) aside for a special purpose
The project uses funds that had been earmarked for education.
Cite this Entry
“Earmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/earmark. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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