appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating something

2

: something that has been appropriated

specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use

the city's appropriation for schools

appropriative

ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• subsidy
• grant
• allotment

Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge

The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

Congress typically approves funding for these nutrition programs through the annual appropriations process. —Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025

Democrats have refused to move forward on appropriations without an extension of health insurance subsidies on which millions of Americans rely, and Republicans have not budged on the issue. —Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025

This pragmatic project expanded the White House's capacity during a period of global crisis and was funded through wartime appropriations. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

The postal service is primarily self-funded and doesn't depend on the appropriations process to continue running as usual. —The Npr Network, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for appropriation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating

2

: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use