DictionaryAI

budget

BUJ-it/ˈbʌd͡ʒ.ɪt/

Pluralbudgets

Verbbudgets, budgeting, budgeted

9 meanings of budget

Practice

  1. 1
    set amountnouncountable
    The amount of money set aside for a person, group, or period of time.

    Like the set amount of money your parents give you each week to spend.

    The school's budget covers books, salaries, and repairs.

    We blew our whole budget on the first day of the trip.

    UsageSay a tight budget, stay within your budget, or go over budget.

    Similarallocation, allowance

  2. 2
    nouncountable
    A detailed plan of how much money a person or group will spend, and often how much will come in.

    Like a shopping list that also shows how much money you have to spend.

    The treasurer handed out copies of the club's budget for next year.

    Our budget lists every cost, from rent to coffee.

    Similarestimate

  3. 3
    nouncountable
    A small amount of money that someone has to spend.

    Like having only a little pocket money to last the whole week.

    Students on a budget often buy used books.

    With a budget like ours, we shopped at thrift stores.

    UsageUsually said as on a budget: students on a budget.

    Note
  4. 4
    cheapadjective
    Low in cost and made for people who want to spend less.

    Like the cheaper store brand that does the same job for less.

    They flew on a budget airline to save money.

    We stayed at a budget hotel near the station.

    UsagePut it before a noun: a budget hotel, a budget airline.

    Similarcheap, inexpensive, affordable, low-cost

    Oppositeluxury, premium, expensive, upmarket

    Note
  5. 5
    plan carefullyverbtransitive
    To plan carefully how you will spend your money or time.

    Like deciding ahead of time how much of your allowance goes to each thing you want.

    She budgets her pay each month so she can cover all her bills.

    You should budget your time carefully during exams.

    Similarplan

  6. 6
    set money forverbtransitive
    To set aside money for something when making a plan.

    Like putting aside part of your savings for a gift you know is coming.

    The city budgeted funds for two new playgrounds.

    They budget money for repairs every year.

    UsageSay what money you set aside for what: budget money for repairs.

    Similarallocate, allot, earmark, reserve

Less common meanings

  1. 7
    pursenounobsolete
    A small bag, purse, or wallet for carrying things.
    The king holds up a hand to the lute player: ‘Thank you, leave us.’ The boy stuffs his music back into his budget and goes out backwards.
    2020, Hilary Mantel, The Mirror and the LightHere, budget means a small bag for carrying things.
    Note
  2. 8
    bundlenounobsolete
    A small, neat bunch of things kept together.
    I set off, therefore, in high spirits, for I felt that I had done good work and was bringing back a fine budget of news for my companions.
    1912, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost WorldHere, budget means a bunch or collection of news, gathered together.
    Note
  3. 9
    saddle socketnounobsolete
    A holder on a saddle where a soldier rests the end of a gun.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of budget apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It first meant "leather pouch" in Middle English, borrowed from Old French bougette, a small version of bouge ("leather bag").

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts