New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
earmark — ear‧mark [ˈɪəmɑːk ǁ ˈɪrmɑːrk] verb [transitive] to plan to use something for a particular purpose or to give someone a particular role: earmark somebody/something for • Of the money provided, 80% was earmarked for use in metropolitan areas.… … Financial and business terms
Earmark — may refer to:*Earmark (agriculture) *Earmark (politics) *Earmark (finance) … Wikipedia
Earmark — Ear mark ([=e]r m[aum]rk ), n. 1. A mark on the ear of sheep, oxen, dogs, etc., as by cropping or slitting. [1913 Webster] 2. A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark. [1913 Webster] Money is said to have no earmark. Wharton. [1913… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
earmark — [n] signature characteristic attribute, differential, distinction, feature, hallmark, label, marking, peculiarity, quality, stamp, tag, token, trademark, trait; concept 644 earmark [v] reserve allocate, designate, keep back, label, maintain, mark … New thesaurus
earmark — ► NOUN 1) a mark on the ear of a domesticated animal indicating ownership or identity. 2) an identifying feature. ► VERB 1) apply an earmark to. 2) (be earmarked) be designated for a particular purpose … English terms dictionary
Earmark — Ear mark , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Earmarked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Earmarking}.] 1. To mark, as sheep, by cropping or slitting the ear. [1913 Webster] 2. To designate or reserve for a specific purpose; as, the alumni fund was earmarked for dormitory… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
earmark — I noun brand, cachet, designation, distinguishing mark, emblem, identification, indication, label, mark, mark of identification, mark of identity, sign, symbol II index allocate, allot, brand, brand (mark) … Law dictionary
earmark — [ir′märk΄] n. 1. a mark or brand put on the ear of a domestic animal to show ownership 2. an identifying mark or feature; characteristic; sign vt. 1. to mark the ears of (livestock) for identification 2. to set a distinctive or informative mark… … English World dictionary
earmark — {{11}}earmark (n.) late 15c., from EAR (Cf. ear) (1) + MARK (Cf. mark) (n.1). Originally a cut or mark in the ear of sheep and cattle, serving as a sign of ownership (also a punishment of certain criminals); first recorded 1570s in figurative… … Etymology dictionary
earmark — I UK [ˈɪə(r)ˌmɑː(r)k] / US [ˈɪrˌmɑrk] noun [countable, usually plural] Word forms earmark : singular earmark plural earmarks American a rule that makes sure that the United States Congress uses an amount of money only for a particular purpose II… … English dictionary
earmark — /ear mahrk /, n. 1. any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic: The mayor s statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics. 2. a mark of identification made on the ear of an animal to show ownership. v.t. 3. to set aside for a… … Universalium
