expenditure is an outflow of money to another person or group to pay for an item or service, or for a category of costs. for a tenant, rent is an expense. for students or parents, tuition is an expense. buying food, clothing, furniture or an automobile is often referred to as an expense. an expense is a cost that is "paid" or "remitted", usually in exchange for something of value. something that seems to cost a great deal is "expensive". something that seems to cost little is "inexpensive". "expenses of the table" are expenses of dining, refreshments, a feast, etc.