disbursement

American  

[dis-burs-muhnt] / dɪsˈbɜrs mənt /

noun

1. the act or an instance of disbursing.

2. money paid out or spent.

---

Usage

What does disbursement mean? Disbursement is the act of paying out money, or the payment itself. Because the meaning of disbursement focuses on money and payment, the word is almost exclusively used in financial and business spheres—especially when the exchange of money is formal. Example: The disbursement of paychecks was delayed due to a clerical error, causing much grumbling among the staff.

Other Word Forms

• nondisbursement
  noun
• redisbursement
  noun

Etymology

Origin of disbursement

From the Middle French word desboursement, dating back to 1590–1600. See disburse, -ment

Explanation

Disbursement means the payment of money from a fund or account. If the disbursement of paychecks at your job was delayed because your boss forgot to fill out some paperwork, you'd probably be furious. Disbursement is a noun that describes the spending or distributing of money. Governments manage the disbursement of funds to various departments and groups. The word disbursement comes from the Old French word desbourser, "extract money from a purse," with bourse meaning "purse." Don't confuse disbursement with dispersement, which means "separating or scattering."

Example Sentences

Disbursement will also be triggered if you file any litigation in any court to abrogate this contract.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2022

Disbursement of the money would follow only with final agreement on the manageability of Greece’s debt, she said.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2017

Disbursement of any additional money that comes into the One Fund after Friday will be determined by the charity’s directors.

From Washington Post • Jun. 30, 2013

Disbursement of the money, which comes from $39 million in federal block grants, just began in January.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• expenditure
• outlay
• spending