allocate

American  

[al-uh-keyt] / ˈæl əˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

allocated, allocating

1. to set apart for a particular purpose; assign or allot.

   to allocate funds for new projects.

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allocate British  

/ ˈæləˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to assign or allot for a particular purpose

2. a less common word for locate

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Related Words

See assign.

Other Word Forms

• allocatable adjective
• allocator noun
• deallocate verb (used with object)
• reallocate verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of allocate

First recorded in 1630–40; from Medieval Latin allocātus (past participle of allocāre ), equivalent to al- al- + loc(us) “place” + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Franks also works as a freelance creative consultant for various theatres, trying to help shows draw in more diverse audiences by allocating tickets to community groups.

From BBC

Even when universities began to open up through social distancing, Riki said she still struggled to get access to art facilities because slots had to be allocated to students.

From BBC

And it is yet another argument, in an uncertain world, to allocate some money to them.

From MarketWatch

Demand for visas has exceeded supply every year for the past two decades, which is why H-1Bs are allocated by lottery.

From The Wall Street Journal

Choi noted that the amount of money someone saves up to invest in the first place is generally more important to their financial well-being than how they allocate those investments.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• allot
• apportion
• appropriate
• designate
• earmark
• give
• set aside