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

Households are looking for affordable options now that their ACP subsidies are no longer available. —Advertorial, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024

China in August had filed a complaint under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism against EU’s subsidy duties on EVs. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

In 2021, Democrats eliminated the previous income cap and increased the subsidy amount. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

The subsidies contributed to lower premiums and deductibles, enabling more people to afford health insurance. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 1 Nov. 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