expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər How to pronounce expenditure (audio)
-də-ˌchu̇r
-də-ˌt(y)u̇r
Synonyms of expenditure
1
: the act or process of expending
an expenditure of energy
2
: something expended : disbursement, expense
Your income should exceed your expenditures.

Examples of expenditure in a Sentence

an increase in military expenditures an increase in military expenditure vast expenditures of time and effort The energy expenditure was significant. the expenditure of funds for the new school The project will require an expenditure of effort on everyone's part.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the large inefficient buses are phased out, this would significantly reduce the capital expenditures that Lynx requires. Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 The primary concern stems from Meta's massive, uncertain AI investments, including up to $145 billion in capital expenditure and $107 billion in contractual commitments, with management acknowledging an unclear path to profitability. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Public expenditures in Norway are on track to outpace revenues by 2040, creating uncertainty about the reliability of public funding for sports. Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026 Taiwan Semiconductor also reports, and its sales growth figures and capital expenditure guidance could impact the broader chip complex. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for expenditure

Word History

Etymology

probably from Medieval Latin expenditus, variant past participle of Latin expendere "to weigh, pay out, expend" + -ure

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expenditure was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expenditure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expenditure. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

expenditure

noun
ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər How to pronounce expenditure (audio)
-də-ˌchu̇(ə)r
1
: the act of spending (as money, time, or energy)
2
: something that is spent

Legal Definition

1
: the act or process of paying out
2
: something paid out see also capital expenditure

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