subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē How to pronounce subsidy (audio)
-zə-
plural subsidies
Synonyms of subsidynext
: 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

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
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Those include increasing medical costs that are traditionally higher than the rate of inflation and the expiration of important federal premium subsidies that had been increased during the coronavirus pandemic. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026 The subsidies, naturally, operated through white traders. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 As many agencies have limited how noncitizens can qualify for programs — like housing subsidies or commercial trucking licenses — the SBA moved to do the same. Alina Selyukh, NPR, 12 June 2026 In Miami-Dade, public housing is owned and operated by the county, while affordable and workforce housing are privately owned and operated, with developers receiving government incentives and subsidies to keep rents at affordable levels for different income tiers. Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for subsidy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsidy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subsidy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsidy. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun
sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē How to pronounce subsidy (audio)
-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

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