spending money

American  

noun

1. money for small personal expenses.

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spending money British  

noun

1. an allowance for small personal expenses; pocket money

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Etymology

Origin of spending money

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

“This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.”

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

With our bills covered and savings automated, the guilt that usually follows spending money is finally gone.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

You mentioned the blockbuster feel of it, getting people’s butts to the theaters, spending money.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

So it’s no surprise to me that we’re spending money while remaining financially sound—it’s a continuation of our lifetime of frugality, not a departure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

All this was particularly taxing for Galileo since he loved spending money himself, enjoying fine wines and good food, and entertaining his friends generously whenever he was in funds.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin