: 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
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
Late in last year’s campaign, Trump promised a 10 percent raise for all agents along with recruitment and retention bonuses of $10,000.
—
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The presumption is that job security—as well as promotions, funding, and possibly bonuses—were linked to progress on this score.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 May 2025
The teams will not only be competing for the title, but also a $1 million bonus, which will be awarded to the clubs that make it to the championship game.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Follow these steps to win bonus bets for a busy time in sports.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bonus
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Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The presumption is that job security—as well as promotions, funding, and possibly bonuses—were linked to progress on this score.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 May 2025
The teams will not only be competing for the title, but also a $1 million bonus, which will be awarded to the clubs that make it to the championship game.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Follow these steps to win bonus bets for a busy time in sports.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bonus
Cite this Entry
“Bonus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonus. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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