Definition of "earmark" in English

noun

1. (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.

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

3. An act of designating certain funds to be used for a specific purpose; specifically (US, politics), a designation by the Congress that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.

verb

1. (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.

2. To put a distinguishing or identifying mark or sign on (something); to make (something) distinctive or identifiable.

3. To designate or set aside (someone or something) for a particular purpose; to allocate.

4. Chiefly followed by for: to designate (certain funds) to be used for a specific purpose.

   • You can donate to the organization as a whole, or you can earmark your contribution for a particular project.