expenditure

noun

ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər How to pronounce expenditure (audio)
-də-ˌchu̇r
-də-ˌt(y)u̇r
Synonyms of expenditure
1
: the act or process of expending
an expenditure of energy
2
: something expended : disbursement, expense
Your income should exceed your expenditures.

Examples of expenditure in a Sentence

an increase in military expenditures an increase in military expenditure vast expenditures of time and effort The energy expenditure was significant. the expenditure of funds for the new school The project will require an expenditure of effort on everyone's part.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Semiconductor investment expected to climb China’s semiconductor capital expenditure is expected to continue growing at double-digit annual rates through the end of the decade, reaching $82 billion in 2030, according to Goldman. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 Screenshot The company’s capital expenditures were roughly $2 billion combined in 2024 and 2025, with expectations of $725 million this year. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 This value was divided by the total spent to determine the percentage of expenditures deemed inappropriate by the panel. Aneri Pattani — Kff Health News, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026 Turincev said of having to redistribute expenditure and production elements when financing plans change. Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expenditure

Word History

Etymology

probably from Medieval Latin expenditus, variant past participle of Latin expendere "to weigh, pay out, expend" + -ure

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expenditure was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expenditure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expenditure. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

expenditure

noun
ex·​pen·​di·​ture ik-ˈspen-di-chər How to pronounce expenditure (audio)
-də-ˌchu̇(ə)r
1
: the act of spending (as money, time, or energy)
2
: something that is spent

Legal Definition

1
: the act or process of paying out
2
: something paid out see also capital expenditure
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