allot

[ uh-lot ]

verb (used with object)

, al·lot·ted, al·lot·ting.

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.

allot

/ 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

Other Words From

• al·lot·ta·ble adjective
• al·lot·ter noun
• mis·al·lot verb (used with object) misallotted misallotting
• pre·al·lot verb (used with object) preallotted preallotting
• re·al·lot verb (used with object) reallotted reallotting

Word History and Origins

Origin of allot¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of allot¹

C16: from Old French aloter, from lot portion, lot

Synonym Study

See assign.

Example Sentences

Most will be from Tampa, the league said, but it will allot some tickets to those from other NFL cities.

From Washington Post

The league and the NFLPA opted against bubble scenarios for the postseason, choosing to rely on the same strict protocols that enabled the league to complete its 256-game regular season in the originally allotted 17 weeks.

From Washington Post

State and territory officials learn how many vaccines they’ve been allotted through their own version of Tiberius, where they can model different distribution strategies.

From MIT Technology Review

It finished its 256-game regular season within the originally allotted 17 weeks and has completed the first two rounds of the playoffs, with only the two conference championship games and the Super Bowl remaining.

From Washington Post

The authors say Congress needs to allot more money to states and localities to manage and secure elections.

From Vox

If I get possession in the next two years, and you allot me the grazing rights to that area, I'll pay you the balance.

From Project Gutenberg

This commission was to allot the public land, in small parcels, to such poor citizens as might apply for it.

From Project Gutenberg

I can trust Time to allot me, like every other man, my proper place, or to cast me down if I have been unduly exalted heretofore.

From Project Gutenberg

Each of the middlemen would allot himself a profit of from twenty to two hundred per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Do the internal proofs allot all to Fletcher, or assign any share to Shakspeare?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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