bounty

noun

boun·​ty ˈbau̇n-tē How to pronounce bounty (audio)
plural bounties
Synonyms of bounty
1
: something that is given generously
nature's bounty
2
: liberality in giving : generosity
3
: yield especially of a crop
this summer's bounty of tomatoes
4
: a reward, premium, or subsidy especially when offered or given by a government: such as
a
: an extra allowance to induce entry into the armed services
b
: a grant to encourage an industry
c
: a payment to encourage the destruction of noxious animals
a bounty on coyotes
d
: a payment for the capture of or assistance in the capture of an outlaw
had a bounty of $500 on his head

Examples of bounty in a Sentence

summer's bounty of plump tomatoes The cottage is filled with a bounty of fresh flowers.
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.
Indonesia has long attracted investors due to its bounty of natural resources and its large and growing population. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 22 June 2026 Propagate for Abundance Hagerty frequently propagates plants from cuttings to increase his bounty each year. Johanna Silver, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026 Many feature private gardens, terraces, or balconies with boundless views of Ibiza’s staggering natural bounty, while five deluxe suites boast private pools. Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Harvest the bounty of herbs in your garden—cilantro, basil, mint—for this soothing, spiced bowl that uses boxed broth and flank steak to cut down on cooking time. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bounty

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bounte goodness, from Anglo-French bunté, bountee, from Latin bonitat-, bonitas, from bonus good, from Old Latin duenos; akin to Sanskrit duva reverence, favor

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bounty was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bounty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bounty. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

bounty

noun
boun·​ty ˈbau̇nt-ē How to pronounce bounty (audio)
plural bounties
1
b
: something given generously
2
: money given as a reward (as for killing a harmful animal or capturing a criminal)
Etymology

Middle English bounte "goodness," from early French bunté (same meaning), derived from Latin bonus "good" — related to bonus

Legal Definition

bounty

noun
boun·​ty ˈbau̇n-tē How to pronounce bounty (audio)
plural bounties
1
: generosity in bestowing gifts especially by will
2
: a reward, premium, or subsidy especially offered by a government

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