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.

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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

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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

Concern is growing among supporters of the bill that it won't pass all its parliamentary hurdles in the allotted days.

From BBC

And, after two two-day Tests in the series, England's batting and the poor weather in Sydney at least offer the prospect of this match using up much of its allotted time.

From BBC

She can use this allotted friendcare time to chat on the phone, make plans over text, or meet up with someone in person.

From BBC

Since we lived in different cities and were in different chapters of our lives, we could just enjoy the time we were allotted, without reconciling opposing ambitions.

From Los Angeles Times

Passive indexes that allot the greatest influence to the biggest companies do nothing to aid in capital allocation for the broader economy, he said.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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