apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
apportioned; apportioning ə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce apportion (audio)
Synonyms of apportion

transitive verb

: to divide and share out according to a plan
especially : to make a proportionate division or distribution of
Representatives are apportioned among the states.
apportionable
ə-ˈpȯr-shə-nə-bəl How to pronounce apportion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of apportion

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Examples of apportion in a Sentence

The proceeds from the auction will be apportioned among the descendants. Apportion the expenses between the parties involved. The agency apportions water from the lake to residents.
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.
And ComEd can do its small part to help by creating a fairer method of apportioning costs to help those in need. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2026 The City Council ultimately agreed to apportion the money. — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Add to that five pending lawsuits, three directly challenging the state’s decision to re-apportion Florida. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026 Females, minors &c are excluded from the polls, but are included in the enumeration of persons on whom representation is apportioned. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for apportion

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French aporcioner, apporcioner "to divide up, assess (a tax)," (also continental Middle French apporcionner), borrowed from Medieval Latin apportiōnāre, from Latin ap- ap- entry 1 + Medieval Latin portiōnāre "to divide into portions" — more at portion entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apportion was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing apportion

Rhymes for apportion

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Browse Nearby Words

apport
apportion
apportionate
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Cite this Entry

“Apportion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apportion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

apportion

verb
ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpōr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
-ˈpȯr-
apportioned; apportioning -sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce apportion (audio)
: to divide and distribute in proportion
apportionment
-shən-mənt
noun

Legal Definition

apportion

transitive verb
ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən How to pronounce apportion (audio)
: to make a usually proportionate division or distribution of (an amount due) according to a plan: as
a
: to divide (an amount due in tax or other liability) among the parties responsible for respective shares of the payment compare contribution
b
: to assign (a portion of the consideration agreed to in a contract) as payment for the other party's partial performance
c
: to distribute (corporate dividends) based on some proportion
d
: to assign (legislative representatives and taxes) among the states as provided by law
apportionable adjective
apportionment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on apportion

Nglish: Translation of apportion for Spanish Speakers

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