coupon

noun

cou·​pon ˈkü-ˌpän  ˈkyü- 

1

: a statement of due interest to be cut from a bearer bond when payable and presented for payment

also : the interest rate of a coupon

2

: a small piece of paper that allows one to get a service or product for free or at a lower price: such as

a

: one of a series of attached tickets or certificates often to be detached and presented as needed

b

: a ticket or form authorizing purchases of rationed commodities

c

: a certificate or similar evidence of a purchase redeemable in premiums

d

: a part of a printed advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on merchandise or services

Synonyms

• check
• pass
• pasteboard
• ticket

Examples of coupon in a Sentence

Bring in this coupon for a free oil change.

I'm always clipping coupons from the newspaper to use at the grocery store.

The coupon is good for one free ice-cream cone.

Send in this coupon for more information.

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t forget to clip the digital 10% coupon at checkout for additional savings. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2025

The first 300 customers in line can score a custom tote bag and Secret Saver coupon featuring offers up to $100 off. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025

Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025. —Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 30 May 2025

Select San Diego 7-Eleven stores are offering $5 discount coupons for the unlimited ride deal with purchase of two 20-ounce Pepsi bottles. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, piece, from couper to cut — more at cope entry 1

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coupon

• zero coupon

Rhymes for coupon

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

coupon

noun

cou·​pon ˈk(y)ü-ˌpän 

1

: a statement of due interest to be cut from a bond and presented for payment on a stated date

2

a

: one of a series of tickets to be detached and presented as needed

b

: a ticket or form allowing the bearer to purchase rationed articles

c

: a certificate or other evidence of a purchase that may be exchanged for premiums

d

: a part of an advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on the price of something

Etymology

from French coupon "a part of a bill to be cut off and turned in with payment," from early French coupon "a piece (cut off)," from couper "to cut" — related to cope entry 2, coup

Legal Definition

coupon

noun

cou·​pon ˈkü-ˌpän, ˈkyü- 

: a statement of due interest to be cut from a debt instrument and especially a bearer bond when payable and presented for payment

also : the interest rate of a coupon

Etymology

French, from Old French, piece, from couper to cut