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

She added that spending money on food and long-term rent helps mitigate the seasonality of tourism, bringing consistent revenue to local businesses.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Today, he suggested, a more common sign of status is spending money on things like yoga classes or facials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

We’d be with our uncle, moon over the Jackson Five, and get candy without spending money that could go toward our Madison Square Garden savings.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia