offer

1 of 2

verb

of·​fer ˈȯ-fər How to pronounce offer (audio)
ˈä-
offered; offering ˈȯ-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce offer (audio)
ˈä-

transitive verb

1
a
: to present as an act of worship or devotion : sacrifice
to a Catholic church where she would offer a candle or so to his recoveryF. M. Ford
b
: to utter (something, such as a prayer) in devotion
offered up prayers of thanksgiving
2
a
: to present for acceptance or rejection : tender
was offered a job
b
: to present in order to satisfy a requirement
candidates for degrees may offer French as one of their foreign languages
3
a
: propose, suggest
offer a solution to a problem
b
: to declare one's readiness or willingness
offered to help me
4
a
: to try or begin to exert : put up
offered stubborn resistance
b
: threaten
offered to strike him with his cane
5
: to make available : afford
The summit offers a panoramic view.
especially : to place (merchandise) on sale
offers a range of cameras at reasonable prices
6
: to present in performance or exhibition
offered a new comedy
7
: to propose as payment : bid
offered me $100 for the recliner

intransitive verb

1
: to present something as an act of worship or devotion : sacrifice
We are going to offer at the holy shrine.
2
archaic : to make an attempt
3
: to present itself
buying land whenever opportunity offered
4
: to make a proposal (as of marriage)
He offered to her after a three months' courtship.

offer

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a presenting of something for acceptance
considering job offers from several firms
an offer of marriage
b
: an undertaking to do an act or give something on condition that the party to whom the proposal is made do some specified act or make a return promise
2
obsolete : offering
3
: a price named by one proposing to buy : bid
4
a
b
: an action or movement indicating a purpose or intention
Phrases
on offer
chiefly British : being offered especially for sale

Examples of offer in a Sentence

Verb I was offered a position at a bank, but I turned it down. The victims were offered money as compensation for their injuries. If I may, I'd like to offer you a bit of advice. One of his neighbors offered to mow his lawn. A woman stopped and offered to help us. We don't need any help, but thank you for offering. They offer their customers a choice between soup or salad. Living in a large city offers a number of advantages. I'd like to offer a couple of comments on the points you've raised. I really don't know enough about it to offer an opinion. Noun After considering several job offers, she accepted a position with a local bank. He turned down an offer to run the company. We decided to hold out for a better offer. “How much do you want for the bike?” “I don't know. Make me an offer.” This special offer is good only while supplies last.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Pregnant Ayesha Curry on Whether Lindsay Lohan Will Be Her Baby's Godmother Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 However, the funds pointed out in their proposal that JPMorgan offers more financing to fossil fuels than other banks, ponying up $434 billion since 2016, despite a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, said the NYC funds. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Certain jurisdictions offer more or fewer incentives for particular certifications. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Apple Music has offered lossless audio and spatial audio as part of any individual plan for no extra cost since 2021. Elias Leight, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024 As much as Arsenal should be credited for a ruthless display, Sheffield United offered very little opposition in an awful performance, managing just over 19% of the possession. Ben Church, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 The Top 10 Takeover dinner series aimed not only to personally introduce diners to each exceptional eatery on the list, but to also offer each business an opportunity for a financial boost. Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024 The joint venture would be offered directly to consumers and will include ESPN+, plus access to 14 linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, TNT, TBS and truTV. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 As generative art, the turntable offers an ethereal expression of form and function. Julia Brenner, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
Noun
Tailoring experiences and showing appreciation through personalized messages, special offers or follow-ups fosters a sense of importance, nurturing customer loyalty and retention. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 Angels owner Arte Moreno refused to match the Dodgers’ $700-million offer and Ohtani’s departure not only left huge holes in the lineup and starting rotation, but opened a lot of seats in the press box. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Marriott’s limited-time offers are called Marriott Bonvoy Moments. Ramsey Qubein, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2024 From sportsbook welcome bonuses to 10% cashback offers, free bet bonuses, social media giveaways, and more. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Macy's gets a higher buyout offer of $6.6 billion in turnaround bid In: Bruce Willis Caitlin O'Kane Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2024 Check out hands-on classes and demonstrations, exclusive menus, special offers and more from participating restaurants, food trucks and bakeries around the city. Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 As this happens, they'll likely be forced to offer more price reductions and special offers, changing the perception of Single Malt. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 In a reflection of the sinking valuations, offers are coming in at high premiums — and many have been rejected. Alexandra Muller, Fortune Europe, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'offer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English offren, in sense 1, from Old English offrian, from Late Latin offerre, from Latin, to present, tender, from ob- toward + ferre to carry; in other senses, from Anglo-French offrir, from Latin offerre — more at bear

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of offer was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near offer

Cite this Entry

“Offer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offer. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

offer

1 of 2 verb
of·​fer ˈȯf-ər How to pronounce offer (audio)
ˈäf-
offered; offering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce offer (audio)
1
: to present as an act of worship : sacrifice
2
: to present (something) to be accepted or rejected
was offered the job
offer $10 for the lamp
offer fruit for sale
3
a
: to present for consideration : suggest
offer a suggestion
b
: to declare one's willingness
offered to help
4
: to try to make or do : put up
offered stubborn resistance
5
: to make available
the hut offered protection from the wind and rain
6
: to propose as payment
I'll offer you $700 for that car

offer

2 of 2 noun
1
: an act or instance of offering
an offer to help
2
: a price suggested by one prepared to buy : bid
Etymology

Verb

Old English offrian "to present as an act of worship," derived from Latin offerre "to present, offer," from of-, ob- "to, toward" and ferre "to bear, carry" — related to defer entry 1, refer

Legal Definition

offer

noun
of·​fer
ˈȯ-fər
1
: a proposal, promise, or other manifestation of willingness to make and fulfill a contract or to bargain under proposed terms with another party that has the power to accept it upon receiving it
denied accepting the offer
see also revoke, tender offer
2
: a price named by one proposing to buy (as in a bid, bargain, or settlement) : the amount of an offer to pay money
decided the offer was too low
offer verb

More from Merriam-Webster on offer

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