allot

[uh-lot]

verb (used with object)

allotted, allotting 

1. to divide or distribute by share or portion; distribute or parcel out; apportion.

   to allot the available farmland among the settlers.

2. to appropriate for a special purpose.

   to allot money for a park.

3. to assign as a portion; set apart; dedicate.

allot

/ əˈlɒt /

verb

1. to assign or distribute (shares, etc)

2. to designate for a particular purpose

   money was allotted to cover expenses

3. (foll by to) apportion

   we allotted two hours to the case

Other Word Forms

• allottable adjective
• allotter noun
• misallot verb (used with object)
• preallot verb (used with object)
• reallot verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of allot¹

First recorded in 1425–75; earlier alot, late Middle English alotten, from Middle French aloter, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + lot lot (from Germanic ) + -er infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of allot¹

C16: from Old French aloter, from lot portion, _lot

Synonym Study

See assign.

Example Sentences

Girls are allotted a certain amount of freedom when their youth prevents them from being a real threat to male dominance.

From Salon

For a three-year period, through the next fiscal year, California has been allotted funding worth more than $18.2 million, according to Health and Human Services.

From Los Angeles Times

Maintenance issues and bad weather often mean the drones fly around half the allotted hours, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

She spent her allotted three minutes reminding the world that the United States now had a “national position” on a single word in the documents establishing the panel: gender.

From Salon

Nearly two hours are spent jumping between concurrent storylines, and had Koepp’s screenplay allotted all 120 of those minutes to the film’s stars, “Rebirth” might actually feel worthy of its presumptuous title.

From Salon

Related Words

• allocate 
• appoint 
• apportion 
• appropriate 
• assign 
• designate 
• distribute 
• earmark 
• set aside