: 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
Officials said the gas station that sold the ticket will also take a $10,000 cash bonus for selling the winning ticket.
—
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Prates also earned performance bonuses for each of his four knockouts.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Win a $150 bonus for the week or activate a $1,500 first bet.
BetMGM Bonus Code Instructions
Complete these steps to use the best BetMGM bonus code.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
As a bonus: The harness is thoughtfully designed with an internal strap that snugly secures packers (an aid designed to create the appearance of a bulge) in place.
—Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bonus
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Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Prates also earned performance bonuses for each of his four knockouts.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Win a $150 bonus for the week or activate a $1,500 first bet.
BetMGM Bonus Code Instructions
Complete these steps to use the best BetMGM bonus code.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
As a bonus: The harness is thoughtfully designed with an internal strap that snugly secures packers (an aid designed to create the appearance of a bulge) in place.
—Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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