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

When Planned Parenthood and its affiliates make adjustments to their subsidies and prices, advocates who provide direct services can be caught off guard. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2024

From 2024 to 2033, the CBO forecasts federal subsidies for health care will total $25 trillion, or 8.3% of GDP. —Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024

Developers floating public support to help transform downtown Detroit's Renaissance Center face an uphill battle in Lansing, where a growing chorus of state lawmakers has voiced concerns over corporate subsidies. —Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 27 Nov. 2024

The success of Musk’s many startups has been significantly supported by government subsidies and federal contracts. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 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