# earmark

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɪəmɑːk/ · frequency rank #71,475

## Definitions
1. 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.
4. Specifically, a designation by the Congress that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.

## Etymology
The noun is derived from ear + mark. The verb is derived from the noun.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/earmark