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bonanza

noun

bo·​nan·​za bə-ˈnan-zə How to pronounce bonanza (audio)
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 bonanzasWilliam Borders

Examples of bonanza in a Sentence

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.
Jenkins racked up 383 passing yards, completing 14 of 16 passes, and five TDs -- the four to Belton and a 31-yarder to Schyler Dethorne, who scooped up a fumble a returned it 13 yards for a TD late in the game to cap off the Indians scoring bonanza. Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025 Stranger Things was the first hit produced and fully owned by Netflix — earlier standouts including House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black came from outside studios — and its massive popularity turned it into a lucrative brand and merchandising bonanza for the tech company. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025 Every year there’s at least one rising artist who gets a substantially bigger bonanza of nominations than anyone had prognosticated, and this year that artist is Leon Thomas. Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 This super-stuffed bonanza of spell-casting goodness will feature previews, interviews, Easter eggs, and original musical performances by some of the starriest members of the duology's ensemble cast — including cohosts Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bonanza

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bonanza was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Bonanza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonanza. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

bonanza

noun
bo·​nan·​za bə-ˈnan-zə How to pronounce bonanza (audio)
1
: a large and rich mineral deposit
2
: something that brings a rich return

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