earmark
noun
any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic.
earmarks
-
present tense formof earmark (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Inouye was a master of earmarks, a practice that allowed lawmakers to insert funding for specific companies by name in the federal budget.
From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2026
Her website puts on vivid display, in map and list form, the specific earmarks she has landed.
From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2026
Could it become tricky to find votes in the Senedd for a budget if Plaid earmarks cash for that exercise?
From BBC ● May 9, 2026
NTU estimates more than $14 billion in earmarks overall.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 2026
A statement, I’m aware, that has all the unpleasant earmarks of a build-up, but quite the contrary is true.
From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger
