spending money: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, conversational
Quick answer
What does “spending money” mean?
A small amount of money, often given to a child or carried for incidental personal expenses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small amount of money, often given to a child or carried for incidental personal expenses.
Discretionary funds for non-essential purchases; money specifically set aside for leisure, entertainment, or minor personal items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically. 'Pocket money' is a more common synonym in UK English, especially for children. In US English, 'allowance' is a common synonym.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of freedom and personal choice in spending. Slightly more associated with holidays/travel in adult contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though the synonymous terms ('pocket money', 'allowance') show regional preference.
Grammar
How to Use “spending money” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/got/saved [amount] spending money.[Subject] gave [Recipient] some spending money for [Purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spending money” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll be spending money on the high street this afternoon.
- He regrets spending money so frivolously.
American English
- She's spending money like it's going out of style.
- We plan on spending money at the state fair.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable for this noun phrase.
American English
- Not applicable for this noun phrase.
adjective
British English
- His spending habits are worrying.
- The spending review will affect local councils.
American English
- Their spending spree left them broke.
- Government spending is a hot topic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in informal travel policy discussions (e.g., 'a per diem for spending money').
Academic
Very rare, except in sociological studies of childhood or consumer behaviour.
Everyday
Very common, especially in family, travel, and personal finance contexts.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spending money”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spending money”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spending money”
- Using it to refer to large sums or income ('My salary is my spending money.' – Incorrect).
- Treating it as a verb phrase instead of a compound noun ('I am spending money' is different from 'I have spending money').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. 'Allowance' often implies a regular, scheduled sum (e.g., weekly). 'Spending money' can be irregular and is defined more by its purpose (discretionary spending).
Yes. For adults, it often refers to a portion of their budget set aside for non-essential pleasures, especially on holiday or as a personal treat.
Generally uncountable. You have 'some spending money' or 'a lot of spending money', not 'three spending moneys'.
'Spending money' specifies the purpose is for small, personal, discretionary purchases. 'Money' is the general term for currency with no specified use.
A small amount of money, often given to a child or carried for incidental personal expenses.
Spending money is usually informal, conversational in register.
Spending money: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspendɪŋ ˌmʌni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspendɪŋ ˌmʌni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Burn a hole in your pocket (related concept).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SPENDING it on fun things – it's MONEY for SPENDING, not for bills or saving.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A TOOL FOR FREEDOM/PLEASURE. (This specific sum is a tool for small-scale, immediate enjoyment.)
Practice
Quiz
In which situation are you MOST likely to use the term 'spending money'?