noun

spending

The use of money to buy things or pay for activities.

Our monthly spending rises when we eat out more often.

Etymology

The inherited verb concerns paying out resources. Spending names the activity of using money to obtain goods, services, or other benefits.

More examples

  • The city increases spending on road repairs.
  • Tracking your spending helps you stay within your budget.
  • Holiday spending leaves little money for savings.

Forms

spend verb — To use money to pay for things.

spender noun — A person who uses money for purchases.

Similar words

expenditure
More formal; often refers to a particular amount spent.
outlay
Emphasizes money paid for a specific purpose or purchase.