earmark

American  

[eer-mahrk] / ˈɪərˌmɑrk /

noun

1. any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic.

   The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics.

2. a mark of identification made on the ear of an animal to show ownership.

3. a provision in a piece of Congressional legislation that directs specified federal funds to specific projects, programs, organizations, or individuals.

   Lawmakers requested almost 40,000 earmarks worth more than $100 billion directed to their home districts and states.

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verb (used with object)

1. to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc..

   to earmark goods for export.

2. to mark with an earmark.

earmark British  

/ ˈɪəˌmɑːk /

verb

1. to set aside or mark out for a specific purpose

2. to make an identification mark on the ear of (a domestic animal)

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noun

1. a mark of identification on the ear of a domestic animal

2. any distinguishing mark or characteristic

Other Word Forms

• unearmarked adjective

Etymology

Origin of earmark

First recorded in 1515–25; ear ¹ + mark ¹

Example Sentences

Several firms including Elliott’s affiliate Amber Energy placed bids for Citgo, with the sale proceeds earmarked for certain creditors of the refiner’s ultimate owner, the Venezuelan government.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although UN donors do sometimes earmark specific projects, the UN funding prioritises just 17 countries, among them Haiti, Syria, and Sudan.

From BBC

There were also two copies of the Quran, one with an earmarked page, according to the documents, which didn’t specify which page or why it was included in the evidence.

From The Wall Street Journal

His efforts for his club have already seen him earmarked as potentially an integral component in England boss Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans.

From BBC

Chaney - originally earmarked to be Joshua's next opponent - expects Paul to try to steal small moments rather than commit to anything sustained and believes Joshua may be cautious early.

From BBC

Related Words

• allocate
• designate
• set aside