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

“I mean, I’m spending money to do it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Since most of these jobs involved spending money or regulating business, rather than creating wealth, this decline is an economic boon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

I must have some worth if the Mehtas were spending money for music.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan