allot

American  

[uh-lot] / əˈlɒt /

verb (used with object)

allotted, allotting

1. to divide or distribute by share or portion; distribute or parcel out; apportion.

   to allot the available farmland among the settlers.

2. to appropriate for a special purpose.

   to allot money for a park.

3. to assign as a portion; set apart; dedicate.

---

allot British  

/ əˈlɒt /

verb

1. to assign or distribute (shares, etc)

2. to designate for a particular purpose

   money was allotted to cover expenses

3. (foll by to) apportion

   we allotted two hours to the case

---

Related Words

See assign.

Other Word Forms

• allottable adjective
• allotter noun
• misallot verb (used with object)
• preallot verb (used with object)
• reallot verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of allot

First recorded in 1425–75; earlier alot, late Middle English alotten, from Middle French aloter, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + lot lot (from Germanic ) + -er infinitive suffix

Compare meaning

How does allot compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• allot vs. a lot

Example Sentences

Some medical practices limit slots allotted for Medicaid visits, or simply won’t take new Medicaid patients.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their campaign staff and volunteers were allowed to chant slogans, but only within a 30-second window allotted by the host.

From Barron's

They disagree on how to allot necessary water cuts and other issues, including how much water should be released downstream from Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border.

From Los Angeles Times

States including New York and West Virginia are also allotting emergency funds to support food banks and other meal distribution efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There was a major shift, and we allotted resources to allow that to happen,” he said.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• allocate
• appoint
• apportion
• appropriate
• assign
• designate
• distribute
• earmark
• set aside