1. a mark or notch made on the ear of an animal (such as livestock) for identification
2. a distinctive feature or characteristic that identifies something
3. money or resources set aside or designated for a specific purpose

1. to mark the ear of (an animal) for identification
2. to set aside or designate (money or resources) for a specific purpose

Examples

• The farmer used earmarks on the sheep to identify which animals belonged to his flock.
• Attention to detail is an earmark of a good student.
• The government earmarks funds for education every fiscal year.
• Congress earmarked $50 million for infrastructure repairs.
• Honesty is considered an earmark of good character.
• The budget earmarks resources for healthcare and public safety.
• That style of architecture has the earmarks of the Victorian era.