bonus

bo·nus

noun \ˈbō-nəs\

Definition of BONUS

: something in addition to what is expected or strictly due: as

a : money or an equivalent given in addition to an employee's usual compensation

b : a premium (as of stock) given by a corporation to a purchaser of its securities, to a promoter, or to an employee

c : a government payment to war veterans

d : a sum in excess of salary given an athlete for signing with a team

Examples of BONUS

1. As a bonus for good behavior you can stay up late.
2. The product has the added bonus of providing extra vitamins.
3. Staff members were given a bonus for finishing the project on schedule.
4. The company offered bonuses to entice new workers.
5. We receive annual bonuses at the end of the year.

Origin of BONUS

Latin, literally, good — more at bounty

First Known Use: 1773

Related to BONUS

Synonyms

cumshaw, dividend, donative, extra, gratuity, gravy, gravy train, lagniappe, perk, perquisite, throw-in, tip

Related Words

pension; bestowal, presentation; benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, bounty, charity, generosity, largesse (also largess), philanthropy; contribution, donation, gift, offering, present; grant, subsidy; boon, manna, windfall; favor, freebie (or freebee), giveaway, premium; award, prize, reward; fringe benefit, icing

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

Rhymes with BONUS

clonus, Cronus, Jonas, onus, slowness, tonus