allot

[ uh-lot ]

verb (used with object)

, al·lot·ted, al·lot·ting.

1. to divide or distribute by share or portion; distribute or parcel out; apportion:

   to allot the available farmland among the settlers.

2. to appropriate for a special purpose:

   to allot money for a park.

3. to assign as a portion; set apart; dedicate.

allot

/ əˈlɒt /

verb

1. to assign or distribute (shares, etc)
2. to designate for a particular purpose

   money was allotted to cover expenses

3. foll by to apportion

   we allotted two hours to the case

Other Words From

• al·lot·ta·ble adjective
• al·lot·ter noun
• mis·al·lot verb (used with object) misallotted misallotting
• pre·al·lot verb (used with object) preallotted preallotting
• re·al·lot verb (used with object) reallotted reallotting

Word History and Origins

Origin of allot¹

First recorded in 1425–75; earlier alot, late Middle English alotten, from Middle French aloter, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + lot lot (from Germanic ) + -er infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of allot¹

C16: from Old French aloter, from lot portion, lot

Synonym Study

See assign.

Example Sentences

Facials are amazing, if your budget and time allot for it, but it’s not the most important part of the equation.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re jamming into Kamala Harris rallies and donating to her in sums so massive that they should perhaps make all of us question how we allot our capital, as a society.

From Slate

When states allot millions of dollars for certain products, it often leaves less money for other important school safety efforts, such as electronic door locks, shatter-resistant windows, communication systems and security staff, he said.

From Seattle Times

Various budget proposals also would allot money to specific state DEI efforts.

From Seattle Times

At a press conference at the Ukrainian embassy Wednesday, the ministers also called on U.S. lawmakers to pass a stalled supplemental funding proposal that would allot tens of billions of dollars in additional aid to Ukraine.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• allocate
• appoint
• apportion
• appropriate
• assign
• designate
• distribute
• earmark
• set aside