earmark

American  

[eer-mahrk] / ˈɪərˌmɑrk /

noun

1. any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic.

   The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics.

2. a mark of identification made on the ear of an animal to show ownership.

3. a provision in a piece of Congressional legislation that directs specified federal funds to specific projects, programs, organizations, or individuals.

   Lawmakers requested almost 40,000 earmarks worth more than $100 billion directed to their home districts and states.

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verb (used with object)

1. to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc..

   to earmark goods for export.

2. to mark with an earmark.

earmark British  

/ ˈɪəˌmɑːk /

verb

1. to set aside or mark out for a specific purpose

2. to make an identification mark on the ear of (a domestic animal)

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noun

1. a mark of identification on the ear of a domestic animal

2. any distinguishing mark or characteristic

Other Word Forms

• unearmarked adjective

Etymology

Origin of earmark

First recorded in 1515–25; ear ¹ + mark ¹

Example Sentences

Both Cameron Barracks and the Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex were earmarked earlier this year as potential temporary asylum seeker accommodation.

From BBC

He said the dividend yield could be in the “low teens” with the remainder of the company’s free cash flow earmarked for debt reduction.

From Barron's

The couple wanted to preserve the history of the church and the building itself, which had been earmarked for a potential recording studio or storage facility.

From BBC

A substantial amount has been earmarked for defense, with the industry poised to pick up slack in the manufacturing sector.

From The Wall Street Journal

The "tripling" goal agreed in Belem could mean $120 billion from that $300 billion is earmarked for adaptation, but close observers said clarity was still needed around that target.

From Barron's

Related Words

• allocate
• designate
• set aside