Earmark

Pronunciation

Origin

ear + mark

Full definition of earmark

Verb

1. (transitive) To mark (as of sheep) by slitting the ear.
2. (transitive, by extension) To specify or set aside for a particular purpose.You can donate to the organization as a whole, or you can earmark your contribution for a particular project.

Noun

1. A mark or deformation of the ear of an animal, intended to indicate ownership.
2. (US, politics) The designation of specific projects in appropriations of funding for general programs.
3. A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark.
• WhartonMoney is said to have no earmark.
• BurrowA set of intellectual ideas ... have earmarks upon them, no tokens of a particular proprietor.

Coordinate terms

• (US politics) phonemark