bonus

noun

bo·​nus ˈbō-nəs 

: something in addition to what is expected or strictly due: such as

a

: money or an equivalent given in addition to an employee's usual compensation

b

: a premium (as of stock) given by a corporation to a purchaser of its securities, to a promoter, or to an employee

c

: a government payment to war veterans

d

: a sum in excess of salary given to an athlete for signing with a team

Synonyms

• cumshaw
• dividend
• donative
• extra
• gratuity
• gravy
• gravy train
• lagniappe
• perk
• perquisite
• throw-in
• tip

Examples of bonus in a Sentence

As a bonus for good behavior you can stay up late.

The product has the added bonus of providing extra vitamins.

Staff members were given a bonus for finishing the project on schedule.

The company offered bonuses to entice new workers.

We receive annual bonuses at the end of the year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kenny Dillingham will make $3.95 million this year, with several opportunities for bonuses based on team performance in the future. —Helen Rummel, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025

Understand your benefits: Review your employment contract for information on unused vacation days, 401(k) plan, bonuses or stock options to which you may be entitled. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

With Arizona State’s march to 11 wins and the CFP, Dillingham has earned more than $2 million in performance bonuses. —Doug Haller, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

Movies Plus, a sing-along version and 40 minutes of bonus footage. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, good — more at bounty

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bonus

noun

bo·​nus ˈbō-nəs 

: something given to somebody (as a worker) in addition to what is usual or owed

Etymology

from Latin bonus "good" — related to bona fide, bonbon, boon entry 2, bounty