English · Work & Business
expense
/ɪkˈspens/
[/ɪkˈspens/]
cost, money spent
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The money that a person or business spends on something; a cost.
Example
Travel is the company's biggest expense, so managers are asked to book cheaper flights.
Travel is the company's biggest expense, so managers are asked to book cheaper flights.
Etymology
From Latin 'expensa' (money paid out), from 'expendere' (to weigh out, pay).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in budgeting and accounting; 'at the expense of' means at a cost to.