subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē 

-zə-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift of money: such as

a

: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation

b

: money granted by one state to another

c

: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• appropriation
• entitlement
• grant
• subvention

Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit.

government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure

Recent Examples on the Web

Farmers across Europe have for months been protesting cuts to subsidies and new regulations, some of them designed to reduce climate-changing emissions, The Washington Post reported. —Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 27 June 2024

Without those federal subsidies – i.e. taxpayer money – the projects won’t get built. —Christen Smith | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 June 2024

That’s despite incentives aimed at encouraging climate action in nearly every corner of the economy, including subsidies to help households buy electric vehicles, make homes more energy efficient and install solar panels. —Jeff Brady, NPR, 26 June 2024

The remaining 38 units will qualify for federal Section 8 housing subsidies that require tenants to pay 30% of their income for housing. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subsidy

• anti-subsidy

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē 

-zəd-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift especially of money

especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public