appropriation

American  

[uh-proh-pree-ey-shuhn] / əˌproʊ priˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

• appropriations
  plural

1. the act of appropriating or taking possession of something, often without permission or consent.

2. anything appropriated for a special purpose, especially money.

3. an act of a legislature authorizing money to be paid from the treasury for a specified use.

4. the money thus authorized.

   a large appropriation for aid to libraries.

---

appropriation British  

/ əˌprəʊprɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of setting apart or taking for one's own use

2. a sum of money set apart for a specific purpose, esp by a legislature

---

appropriation Cultural  

1. The grant of money by a legislature for some specific purpose. The authority to grant appropriations, popularly known as the power of the purse, gives legislatures a powerful check over executive branches and judicial branches, for no public money can be spent without legislative approval. Congress, for example, can approve or reject the annual budget requests of the executive branch for its agencies and programs, thereby influencing both domestic and foreign policy. (See also checks and balances and pork-barrel legislation.)

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reappropriation
  noun
• proappropriation
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• appropriations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of appropriation

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin appropriātiōn- (stem of appropriātiō ). See appropriate, -ion

Explanation

Appropriation is the act of taking something, usually without permission, like stealing your brother's french fries when he is momentarily distracted. Appropriation originally referred to the taking of private property, usually by the government. Nowadays, appropriation can be positive or negative, but generally refers to taking something and making it your own — like your appropriation of different musical styles during your talent show performance or your company’s appropriation of new technology to improve their product. Appropriation can also refer to the setting aside of funds by the government for a specific purpose, like for improving school systems or supporting the arts.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

appropriation appropriations

Italian luxury brand Prada has launched a limited-edition line of sandals inspired by India's traditional Kolhapuri sandals, nearly a year after it faced criticism over cultural appropriation.

From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026

Instead, the VA is asking for a $500-million appropriation to rehab six aging buildings, erect an 800-space parking structure and improve infrastructure on its sprawling campus spanning Wilshire Boulevard west of the 405 Freeway.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026

“Just building a fixed facility in and of itself does not qualify as territorial appropriation or territorial sovereignty.”

From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2026

Set in 1930s Mississippi, “Sinners” is a tale of vampires and blues music, cultural appropriation and the enduring relevance of Black art.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2026

There was talk now among the directors of seeking a $10 million appropriation from Congress, but the only immediate solution was to reduce expenditures.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Funded through both state appropriations and federal pandemic-recovery dollars, the program was made permanent in 2024 at a projected cost of about $11 million a year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

The governor visited Washington in December to meet with lawmakers, including three who serve on the Senate and House appropriations committees, to push for the funding.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

With few exceptions, the limit applies to most appropriations of tax revenue, including money that lawmakers tuck away into the rainy day fund and other reserves.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026

Courts Director Robert Conrad will testify before an appropriations subcommittee this summer; members should question him about workplace conduct.

From Slate ● Jun. 8, 2026

The statements made by Department witnesses seeking appropriations were not in accord with those contained in key publications of the Agriculture Department.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• allotment
• allowance
• donation
• funding
• grant
• provision
• stipend
• subsidy