Added 9 October 2026
earmark
/ˈɪəmɑːk/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about earmark at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A mark made or tag attached to the ear of an animal (chiefly a livestock animal), generally to identify or indicate something about the animal, such as ownership, health or gestation status, etc.
-
A distinguishing or identifying mark or sign; specifically , a mark of ownership. An act of designating certain funds to be used for a specific purpose. , Specifically, a designation by the Congress that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.
:
- A distinguishing or identifying mark or sign; specifically , a mark of ownership.
verb
- To make a mark or attach a tag to the ear of (an animal, chiefly a livestock animal), generally to identify or indicate something about the animal, such as ownership.
-
To put a distinguishing or identifying mark or sign on (something); to make (something) distinctive or identifiable. To designate or set aside (someone or something) for a particular purpose; to allocate.
You can donate to the organization as a whole, or you can earmark your contribution for a particular project.
- To put a distinguishing or identifying mark or sign on (something); to make (something) distinctive or identifiable.
Origin
The noun is derived from ear + mark. The verb is derived from the noun.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)