Allowance

/əˈlaʊəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sum of money given regularly to a person, often to a child, to cover personal expenses.

Her parents give her a weekly allowance to help teach her about budgeting.

the act of allowing; permission.

The teacher gave her an allowance to submit the assignment late due to her illness.

a specified amount of something that is permitted, especially in relation to consumption or use.

There is a strict allowance of only two pieces of luggage for the flight.

a reduction in the amount owed or a decrease in the price or value.

He received a tax allowance for his charitable contributions.

a planned or calculated amount of something, often used in budgeting.

She set a monthly allowance for her grocery expenses.

Middle English, from Old French 'alowance', from 'alowen', meaning to allow.

children's allowance

Money given to children by their parents.

luggage allowance

The maximum weight limit for luggage that can be carried.

monthly allowance

Regular fixed money received every month.

tax allowance

An amount that can be deducted from taxable income.

allowance for inflation

A calculation made to adjust for the rise in prices.

allow

To let someone do something or to accept something.

allotment

The amount of something that is assigned or allocated.

allocation

The process of distributing something for a particular purpose.

Chump change

My allowance is just chump change compared to what my friends get.

Pocket money

I used my allowance as pocket money to buy snacks.