Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

cui bono

noun cui bo·no \ ˈkwē-ˈbō-(ˌ)nō \

Definition of cui bono

1 : a principle that probable responsibility for an act or event lies with one having something to gain
2 : usefulness or utility as a principle in estimating the value of an act or policy

Origin and Etymology of cui bono

Latin, to whose advantage?

Learn More about cui bono

  1. See words that rhyme with cui bono

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cui bono? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games