subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē 

-zə-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift of money: such as

a

: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation

b

: money granted by one state to another

c

: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms of subsidy

• grant
• allotment
• appropriation

Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit.

government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure

Recent Examples on the Web

That implied that the effect of the subsidy terminations had slowed, in the view of market analysts at Cox Automotive. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

As private financing dries up, producers are looking for foreign subsidies. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Politicians and economists across the 27-nation bloc consider China’s massive subsidies and exports a major threat to core industrial sectors from steel foundries to car factories. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Most affordable developments require public subsidy or nonprofit support. — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subsidy

• anti-subsidy

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē 

-zəd-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift especially of money

especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public