allot

[uh-lot]

verb (used with object)

allotted, allotting 

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 Word Forms

• allottable adjective
• allotter noun
• misallot verb (used with object)
• preallot verb (used with object)
• reallot verb (used with object)

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

In 1965, La Cañada’s men waited for the annual arrival of Mexican government officials to allot the bracero slots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That is because brokerage firms are allotted a certain percentage of the total offering from the underwriter and then divide the new shares among clients who have put in orders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Instead of relying on public schools, parents would use their allotted tax dollars on a range of costs: private school tuition, online learning, tutors, transportation and music lessons.

Read more on Salon

The board members nervously looked at each other as Bourne continued to use her allotted three minutes for her public comment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Industry veterans say most major hotels around Los Angeles have probably already made deals allotting blocks of 2028 rooms to organizers of the Games or independent tour operators like Roadtrips.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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