bonanza

noun

bo·​nan·​za bə-ˈnan-zə 

1

mining : an exceptionally large and rich mineral deposit (as of an ore, precious metal, or petroleum)

2

a

: something that is very valuable, profitable, or rewarding

a box-office bonanza

b

: a very large amount

a bonanza of sympathy

c

: extravaganza

… commercial channels planning all-day viewing bonanzas …

—William Borders

Examples of bonanza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sure, the former event is featured in a work of fiction and the latter in a real-life ratings bonanza, but fans of the film who lauded it for its period detail will appreciate the symmetry. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026

Curling bonanza arrives One of the marquee competitions each winter cycle is curling, in part because of how different it is compared to the other Olympic sports. —Zack Pierce, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

The first quarter was an offensive bonanza for the Celtics. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026

Is the recent sharp drop in the consumer savings rate a sign the tax-refund bonanza was pulled forward? —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, calm sea, from Medieval Latin bonacia, alteration of Latin malacia, from Greek malakia, literally, softness, from malakos soft

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bonanza

• extravaganza
• stanza

Kids Definition

bonanza

noun

bo·​nan·​za bə-ˈnan-zə 

1

: a large and rich mineral deposit

2

: something that brings a rich return