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

For most of the allotted time here in Baku, the richer nations refused to put a figure on how much support they would give.

From BBC

While this contract was typical, the paid time it allotted wasn’t adequate to complete the work, which I would end up bringing home.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ll drop my votes in the mailbox on election day — taking all the time fortunately allotted.

From Los Angeles Times

The time allotted for updating the rules is coming to an end.

From Los Angeles Times

When you watch the film, you’ll see how selfish the Denzel character is in his space, even how he allots himself an hour of practice, no distractions, every day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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