First Known Use: circa 1641
Dictionary
allocate
verb al·lo·cate \ˈa-lə-ˌkāt\
: to divide and give out (something) for a special reason or to particular people, companies, etc.
al·lo·cat·edal·lo·cat·ing
Full Definition of ALLOCATE
transitive verbtransitive verb
1
: to apportion for a specific purpose or to particular persons or things : distribute <allocate tasks among human and automated components>
2
: to set apart or earmark : designate <allocate a section of the building for special research purposes>
— al·lo·cat·able \-ˌkā-tə-bəl\ adjective
— al·lo·ca·tion \ˌa-lə-ˈkā-shən\ noun
— al·lo·ca·tor \ˈa-lə-ˌkā-tər\ noun
See allocate defined for English-language learners
See allocate defined for kids
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Origin of ALLOCATE
Medieval Latin allocatus, past participle of allocare, from Latin ad- + locare to place, from locus place — more at stall
Related to ALLOCATE
- Antonyms
- misallocate
Rhymes with ALLOCATE
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ALLOCATION Defined for Kids
allocate
verb al·lo·cate \ˈa-lə-ˌkāt\
al·lo·cat·edal·lo·cat·ing
Definition of ALLOCATE for Kids
1
: to divide and give out for a special reason or to particular people or things <Funds were allocated among the clubs.>
2
: to set apart for a particular purpose <Part of the classroom was allocated for reading.>
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