earmark

[ eer-mahrk ]

noun

1. any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic:

   The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics.

2. a mark of identification made on the ear of an animal to show ownership.
3. a provision in a piece of Congressional legislation that directs specified federal funds to specific projects, programs, organizations, or individuals: Compare pork barrel.

   Lawmakers requested almost 40,000 earmarks worth more than $100 billion directed to their home districts and states.

verb (used with object)

1. to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.:

   to earmark goods for export.

2. to mark with an earmark.

earmark

/ ˈɪəˌmɑːk /

verb

1. to set aside or mark out for a specific purpose
2. to make an identification mark on the ear of (a domestic animal)

noun

1. a mark of identification on the ear of a domestic animal
2. any distinguishing mark or characteristic

Other Words From

• un·earmarked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of earmark¹

First recorded in 1515–25; ear ¹ + mark ¹

Example Sentences

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is being targeted for the largest collective earmark request in the country, according to a detailed breakdown of overall requests released by the House Appropriations Committee.

From Axios

A decade ago, Republicans vehemently opposed a stimulus package from a Democratic president, won an election by making it a focal point and then banned earmarks partly in the name of instituting fiscal responsibility.

From Washington Post

Although earmarks might sit untouched, money sometimes can be used for its original purpose.

From Washington Post

Congress recognized the problem in 2015, passing a provision that allows dormant earmarks more than a decade old to be reused on other nearby projects.

From Washington Post

Last week, before Democrats had confirmed their plans, state officials gathered virtually to discuss the return of earmarks.

From Washington Post

Despite the anti-earmark rhetoric in Congress, John Boehner still misses them.

From The Daily Beast

If those things can be done, I'd happily reward every member of Congress with an earmark of his or her very own.

From The Daily Beast

Does the Tea Party class know that the earmark-ban game is already over?

From The Daily Beast

If earmark reform was something that the public understood well enough to hunger for, John McCain would be our president.

From The Daily Beast

That sense of humor does not lessen but it lightens the gallantry and chivalry which is the earmark of Westerners.

From Project Gutenberg

Every earmark showed that, from the delicate scent of the paper, to the fine, even handwriting.

From Project Gutenberg

That little trick, for example, of beginning sentences with the word “also,” is a familiar earmark of the Kipling school.

From Project Gutenberg

These minor obligations do not earmark more than an hour in the day.

From Project Gutenberg

It wont do, she averred, but Mr. Denby has every earmark of it.

From Project Gutenberg