Meaning & Definition of word "Allowance"

Allowance

/əˈlaʊəns/

noun:

  • 1. a sum of money given regularly to a person, often to a child, to cover personal expenses.
    • Example: Her parents give her a weekly allowance to help teach her about budgeting.
  • 2. the act of allowing; permission.
    • Example: The teacher gave her an allowance to submit the assignment late due to her illness.
  • 3. a specified amount of something that is permitted, especially in relation to consumption or use.
    • Example: There is a strict allowance of only two pieces of luggage for the flight.
  • 4. a reduction in the amount owed or a decrease in the price or value.
    • Example: He received a tax allowance for his charitable contributions.
  • 5. a planned or calculated amount of something, often used in budgeting.
    • Example: She set a monthly allowance for her grocery expenses.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of allowance

Meaning: Chump change

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

Meaning: Pocket money

Example Sentence: I used my allowance as pocket money to buy snacks.