earmark

[ eer-mahrk ]

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: Compare pork barrel.

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

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

/ 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)

noun

1. a mark of identification on the ear of a domestic animal
2. any distinguishing mark or characteristic

Other Words From

• un·earmarked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of earmark¹

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

Example Sentences

Right-wing protesters have held a series of demonstrations at asylum accommodation centres and some buildings earmarked for asylum seekers have been burnt down.

From BBC

Funds earmarked for seismic retrofits and other renovations of old buildings will be included in the payment for the Gas Company Tower.

From Los Angeles Times

The money is earmarked to compensate victims; the bank didn’t admit liability and asserted that it merely provided Stanford’s company with conventional banking services.

From Los Angeles Times

Tucked in a $10 billion climate bond on the November ballot is an earmark to improve drinking water quality for communities such as East Orosi.

From Salon

The new measure would expand the reach of the current one by earmarking nearly 40% of the funds to homelessness prevention and affordable housing.

From Los Angeles Times