line item

noun

: an appropriation that is itemized on a separate line in a budget
line-item
ˈlīn-ˈī-təm How to pronounce line item (audio)
adjective

Examples of line item in a Sentence

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.
One of the most important line items in that budget will be your marketing. — Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026 Bridgeport has a budget line item for legal fees, but as filings increase, the amount allocated for legal fees increases. — Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026 When institutional capital isn’t an option, a festival floor packed with your actual customers isn’t a marketing line item. — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Legacy broadcasters have stood up dedicated creator studios to develop franchises alongside digital talent, rather than treat them as a line item. — Stacy Martinet, Variety, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for line item

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of line item was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Line Islands
line item
line-item veto
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Line item.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/line%20item. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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