earmark

UK: /ˈɪə^rmɑː^rk/ US: /ˈɪrˌmɑrk/ ,(ēr′märk′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ear•mark /ˈɪrˌmɑrk/   n. 

[countable]
1. any mark or characteristic that identifies something:
   Those plans have all the earmarks of a conspiracy.

v. [~ + object]

2. to set aside for a specific purpose:
   The budget earmarked $1,000 for repairs.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ear•mark  (ēr′märk′), n. 

1. any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic:
   The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics.
2. a mark of identification made on the ear of an animal to show ownership.

v.t. 

3. to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.:
   to earmark goods for export.
4. to mark with an earmark.

• ear¹ + mark¹ 1515–25

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

earmark / ˈɪəˌmɑːk/ verb (transitive)

1. to set aside or mark out for a specific purpose
2. to make an identification mark on the ear of (a domestic animal)

noun

1. a mark of identification on the ear of a domestic animal
2. any distinguishing mark or characteristic