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

See Examples For:

spending money

Ms. Aviv also uses one woman’s experience as a way of delving into the bruising trade-offs of Filipino women who work as nannies overseas so that their own children, motherless at home, have spending money.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

They’re spending money on things that make them feel something — anything.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

While spending money on video games is not uncommon, EVE Online stands out because players' assets can be permanently destroyed; their real-world cash outlay gone in seconds.

From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2026

Newhouse’s philosophy of spending money to produce quality coverage and a hands-off approach toward his editors led to many successes, including multiple Pulitzers.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026

For me, it was like spending money without knowing your bank balance.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama