an estimate, often itemized, of expected income and expense for a given period in the future.
a plan of operations based on such an estimate.
an itemized allotment of funds, time, etc., for a given period.
the total sum of money set aside or needed for a purpose.
the construction budget.
a limited stock or supply of something.
his budget of goodwill.
Obsolete. a small bag; pouch.
to plan allotment of (funds, time, etc.).
to deal with (specific funds) in a budget.
an itemized summary of expected income and expenditure of a country, company, etc, over a specified period, usually a financial year
an estimate of income and a plan for domestic expenditure of an individual or a family, often over a short period, such as a month or a week
a restriction on expenditure (esp in the phrase on a budget )
(modifier) economical; inexpensive
budget meals for a family
the total amount of money allocated for a specific purpose during a specified period
archaic a stock, quantity, or supply
(tr) to enter or provide for in a budget
to plan the expenditure of (money, time, etc)
(intr) to make a budget
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English bowgett, from Middle French, bougette, from bouge “bag” (from Latin bulga; see bulge) + -ette -ette )
A budget is a sum of money set aside and divided up to cover particular expenses. Like allotting certain amounts for food, rent, movies, and manicures every month to make sure you don't run out of cash. From the Middle French bougette, the noun budget translated to “leather pouch” when it was first used in the early 15th century. Perhaps a leather pouch to hold gold coins? It wasn’t until 1733 that the word took on the more specific financial meaning it has nowadays. You can budget all sorts of things, including time, money, and energy. Every year, Congress tries to balance the federal budget — but that's no easy task.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At last year's Budget, the DMO changed its remit for sales of government debt to be less reliant on this type of borrowing.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
One of his most memorable whistling experiences was in 2001, when he was working in the White House’s Office of Management and Budget.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026
Budget airlines have especially thin margins and cannot afford to spend more on fuel, experts said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
The retirement-account match may be a powerful incentive for workers, who tend to contribute more when employers match their contribution, the Congressional Budget Office found in 2019.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
The Budget Lodging clerk, who seems to have some familiarity with the housing nightmares of low-wage workers, suggests I keep trying motels.
From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
