English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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noun

allowance

uh-LOW-uhns
noun
1
A fixed sum of money given regularly, especially to a child or for expenses.
"She gives her kids a small weekly allowance."
"Employees receive a travel allowance for business trips."
2
An amount permitted or accepted as reasonable, especially as a deduction or adjustment.
"You should make an allowance for delays when planning the schedule."

How to Use Allowance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA regular sum of money given to someone, or an adjustment made to take something into account.

Common pairings
weekly allowance make allowance for travel allowance pocket money allowance

Word Forms

allowanced past tense, allowances plural, allowances singular

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She gives her kids a small weekly _____.

Etymology

From Old French alouance, built on the same double root as "allow."

Rhymes for allowance

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial