boon

1 of 2

noun

1
: a timely benefit : blessing
a boon to new homeowners
The rain was a boon for parched crops.
2
: benefit, favor
especially : one that is given in answer to a request
would not grant his boon

boon

2 of 2

adjective

1
: convivial
a boon companion
2
archaic : favorable

Examples of boon in a Sentence

Noun the couple's generous donation was a great boon to the charity's fund-raising campaign a softhearted man who finds it hard to deny any boon, whether it be for friend or stranger Adjective I and my boon companions celebrated that afternoon's victory on the gridiron with a night at a local dance club.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For some footwear, apparel and textile manufacturers based in the United States, tariff turmoil has been a boon to business, and for others, it’s resulted in orbiting by brands and retailers that are voicing interest but aren’t quite ready to pull the trigger on onshoring. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025 Travis Kelce’s two-year public relationship with global pop star Taylor Swift has been a boon to the coffers of the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs, as new waves of fans have engaged with the league and reigning AFC champions. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 17 June 2025 In the short run, however, New York’s economic downfall was a boon to its unrivaled status as a seedbed of art and culture. Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 Stockdale has downplayed the severity of the situation, preferring instead to talk up the prospects of a potential new park tenant that will be a boon to the city and downtown. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for boon

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English bone prayer, request, the favor requested, from Old Norse bōn request; akin to Old English bēn prayer, bannan to summon — more at ban entry 1

Adjective

Middle English bon, from Anglo-French, good — more at bounty

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of boon was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Boon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boon. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

boon

1 of 2 noun
1
: something asked or granted as a favor
2
: something pleasant or helpful that comes at just the right time : blessing

boon

2 of 2 adjective
: merry sense 1
a boon companion
Etymology

Noun

Middle English boon "favor," from an early Norse word meaning "a request, plea"

Adjective

Middle English boon, bon "favorable," from early French bon "good," derived from Latin bonus "good" — related to bonus

More from Merriam-Webster on boon

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