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

And he told AFP on Friday that Kyiv wants European troops -- earmarked to be deployed in Ukraine in case of a halt in fighting -- to be positioned close to the front.

From Barron's

Renovation works continue on nearby Marsh Farm, which has been earmarked as his future home.

From BBC

Millions of dollars Tennessee GOP Rep. Chuck Fleischmann scored in earmarks in this year’s appropriations bills—the largest total in the House.

From The Wall Street Journal

However much of the spending would be on the "30 or so" projects already earmarked or in train as well maintaining the island's existing assets.

From BBC

A tenth of that sum was earmarked for farmers and livestock breeders.

From Barron's

Related Words

• allocate
• designate
• set aside