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

Chaney - originally earmarked to be Joshua's next opponent - expects Paul to try to steal small moments rather than commit to anything sustained and believes Joshua may be cautious early.

From BBC

The controversy, which centers on public funds earmarked for flood-control infrastructure allegedly going toward substandard or nonexistent projects, is also pressuring portfolio flows and local assets.

From The Wall Street Journal

TransAlta TA -0.95%decrease; red down pointing triangle has been ordered by the Energy Department to keep open for a 90-day period a coal-fired power station in Washington state that had been earmarked for closure.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the Budget it said it would raise the age limit to cover under-25s, earmarking £725m for the scheme over the next three years.

From BBC

The £725 million package, which was earmarked in the Budget and covers the next three years, will be used to create apprenticeships in sectors including AI, hospitality and engineering.

From BBC

Related Words

• allocate
• designate
• set aside