bounty

noun

boun·​ty ˈbau̇n-tē 

plural bounties

1

: something that is given generously

nature's bounty

2

: liberality in giving : generosity

3

: yield especially of a crop

this summer's bounty of tomatoes

4

: a reward, premium, or subsidy especially when offered or given by a government: such as

a

: an extra allowance to induce entry into the armed services

b

: a grant to encourage an industry

c

: a payment to encourage the destruction of noxious animals

a bounty on coyotes

d

: a payment for the capture of or assistance in the capture of an outlaw

had a bounty of $500 on his head

Synonyms of bounty

• reward
• price
• bonus

Examples of bounty in a Sentence

summer's bounty of plump tomatoes

The cottage is filled with a bounty of fresh flowers.

Recent Examples on the Web

As grandmother imparts her wisdom about the plants’ connection with phežúta — medicines — and the importance of giving thanks for their bounty, the pair sings a special song to stinging nettle, chokecherry, red clover, milkweed, elderberry, and golden rod. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026

The slop reports got so bad that Stenberg stopped paying out bug bounty rewards for his cURL tool. —Huo Jingnan, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026

The bounty flowed mostly to the Sun Belt and a suite of glamorous western cities, notably Denver, Seattle, Portland and Boise. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026

Where to Eat and Drink Despite its relatively small size—only about eight square miles—Stillwater has an excellent restaurant scene, showcasing the bounty of Midwestern agriculture. —Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bounte goodness, from Anglo-French bunté, bountee, from Latin bonitat-, bonitas, from bonus good, from Old Latin duenos; akin to Sanskrit duva reverence, favor

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bounty

• bounty hunter

Rhymes for bounty

• county

Kids Definition

bounty

noun

boun·​ty ˈbau̇nt-ē 

plural bounties

1

a

: generosity sense 1

b

: something given generously

2

: money given as a reward (as for killing a harmful animal or capturing a criminal)

Etymology

Middle English bounte "goodness," from early French bunté (same meaning), derived from Latin bonus "good" — related to bonus

Legal Definition

bounty

noun

boun·​ty ˈbau̇n-tē 

plural bounties

1

: generosity in bestowing gifts especially by will

2

: a reward, premium, or subsidy especially offered by a government