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

But according to Cox, federal subsidies are not the only way to make GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic more affordable. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

All around the world, special interests fought to ensure these subsidies would remain and grow. —Wal Van Lierop, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Little in terms of policies has been put in place, other than a subsidy program to incentivize trading in used household appliances and electronic goods. —Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

Trump also threatened to end federal consumer subsidies for clean cars. —Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 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