bonus

noun

bo·​nus ˈbō-nəs How to pronounce bonus (audio)
: 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
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.
Proceeds benefit local charities through The Woman’s Club of Casselberry. 2 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of the month, The Woman’s Club of Casselberry, 251 Overbrook Drive, Casselberry, $5 for 10 games plus two optional bonus games, 407-947-2747. Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024 Formal programs may include monthly awards, bonuses, or other incentives based on performance metrics. Mark Congdon, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 The engine is also efficient, which is a big bonus for commuters. CHANGE: Sound deadening There is just too much noise permeating the cabin from the front end of the car. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 Spend cards to claim routes, rack up bonus points for connecting specific destinations, and the person with the highest score at the end wins. Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bonus 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, good — more at bounty

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bonus was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near bonus

Cite this Entry

“Bonus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonus. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bonus

noun
bo·​nus ˈbō-nəs How to pronounce bonus (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bonus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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