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

The admiral checked his pocket watch, as if this conversation had just run over its allotted time.

Read more on Literature

Some medical practices limit slots allotted for Medicaid visits, or simply won’t take new Medicaid patients.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their campaign staff and volunteers were allowed to chant slogans, but only within a 30-second window allotted by the host.

Read more on Barron's

They disagree on how to allot necessary water cuts and other issues, including how much water should be released downstream from Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

States including New York and West Virginia are also allotting emergency funds to support food banks and other meal distribution efforts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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