coupon

noun

cou·​pon ˈkü-ˌpän  ˈkyü- 

1

: a statement of due interest to be cut from a bearer bond when payable and presented for payment

also : the interest rate of a coupon

2

: a small piece of paper that allows one to get a service or product for free or at a lower price: such as

a

: one of a series of attached tickets or certificates often to be detached and presented as needed

b

: a ticket or form authorizing purchases of rationed commodities

c

: a certificate or similar evidence of a purchase redeemable in premiums

d

: a part of a printed advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on merchandise or services

Synonyms of coupon

• ticket
• check

Examples of coupon in a Sentence

Bring in this coupon for a free oil change.

I'm always clipping coupons from the newspaper to use at the grocery store.

The coupon is good for one free ice-cream cone.

Send in this coupon for more information.

Recent Examples on the Web

GoodRx, which is a website that helps patients find discounts on prescription drugs, has been a key partner for TrumpRx, providing the coupon infrastructure that works in the existing healthcare system. — Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 16 July 2026

The report found that 80 percent of Americans sometimes use coupons, with women more likely to use them than men (46 percent compared to 26 percent, respectively). — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Ash, one of the customers, tried the AI tablet to find coupons and discounts and did so in Spanish. — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Shrradoo Extra Large Travel Backpack, $28 with coupon Traveling with bulky items, like shoes and hoodies, is much easier with this extra-large backpack. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, piece, from couper to cut — more at cope entry 1

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coupon

• zero coupon

Rhymes for coupon

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

coupon

noun

cou·​pon ˈk(y)ü-ˌpän 

1

: a statement of due interest to be cut from a bond and presented for payment on a stated date

2

a

: one of a series of tickets to be detached and presented as needed

b

: a ticket or form allowing the bearer to purchase rationed articles

c

: a certificate or other evidence of a purchase that may be exchanged for premiums

d

: a part of an advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on the price of something

Etymology

from French coupon "a part of a bill to be cut off and turned in with payment," from early French coupon "a piece (cut off)," from couper "to cut" — related to cope entry 2, coup

Legal Definition

coupon

noun

cou·​pon ˈkü-ˌpän, ˈkyü- 

: a statement of due interest to be cut from a debt instrument and especially a bearer bond when payable and presented for payment

also : the interest rate of a coupon

Etymology

French, from Old French, piece, from couper to cut