Earmark

Quick meaning: Earmark is a noun meaning A distinguishing or identifying mark or sign; specifically (archaic), a mark of ownership.

Meaning

A distinguishing or identifying mark or sign; specifically (archaic), a mark of ownership.

More Meanings

1. An act of designating certain funds to be used for a specific purpose.
2. Specifically, a designation by the Congress that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.
3. To put a distinguishing or identifying mark or sign on (something); to make (something) distinctive or identifiable.
4. To designate or set aside (someone or something) for a particular purpose; to allocate.
5. Chiefly followed by for: to designate (certain funds) to be used for a specific purpose.
6. (chiefly agriculture) 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.
7. (chiefly agriculture) 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.

Example Sentences

Some mark them [sheep] vvith Raddle and make Ear-marks.

[H]e ſhoulde be dyſcryued by hys rounding and his eare marke: […]

[…] I saw in my patient one of the most forbidding men I have ever met. He had all the earmarks of a criminal.

I am inclined to think that his most besetting sin in style,—the little earmark by which he is most conspicuous,—is a certain affected familiarity.

Word Forms

• earmarks
• earmarking
• earmarked

Synonyms for earmark

Depending on context, synonyms include lugmark, allot, appropriate, allocate, shelve, assign.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include hallmark, reserve, set aside, appropriate, trademark, allow.

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