: something in addition to what is expected or strictly due: such 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 to an athlete for signing with a team
Examples of bonus in a Sentence
As a bonus for good behavior you can stay up late.
The product has the added bonus of providing extra vitamins.
Staff members were given a bonus for finishing the project on schedule.
The company offered bonuses to entice new workers.
We receive annual bonuses at the end of the year.
Recent Examples on the Web
The School Board decided to assign the district’s chief auditor to quickly review the referendum bonuses, while also alerting the inspector general’s office.
—
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
The week ahead could bring shifts to income and larger money matters — perhaps even as simple as hearing of a bonus, settlement, inheritance, or getting into assets and investments.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
If Denver can manage to acquire another playable guy in the trade, consider that a bonus.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
As such, the project is eligible for two 50% bonuses, one for each of the subsidized unit types.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bonus
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Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
The week ahead could bring shifts to income and larger money matters — perhaps even as simple as hearing of a bonus, settlement, inheritance, or getting into assets and investments.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
If Denver can manage to acquire another playable guy in the trade, consider that a bonus.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
As such, the project is eligible for two 50% bonuses, one for each of the subsidized unit types.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bonus
Cite this Entry
“Bonus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonus. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bonus
noun
bo·nus
ˈbō-nəs 
: something given to somebody (as a worker) in addition to what is usual or owed
Etymology
from Latin bonus "good" — related to bona fide, bonbon, boon entry 2, bounty
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