fringe benefit

noun

1

: an employment benefit (such as a pension or a paid holiday) granted by an employer that has a monetary value but does not affect basic wage rates

2

: any additional benefit

increased energy is a fringe benefit of regular exercise

Examples of fringe benefit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the new deal also strips out some of the fringe benefits seen in his and his predecessor’s prior contracts. —Garrett Shanley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025

But now, in the Trump White House, one member of the administration may be getting a whole new sort of fringe benefit — her own reality show. —Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry lists hourly prevailing wages, before fringe benefits, around $30 for landscapers, $43.40 for general laborers, $46.50 for boom truck operators and $47.50 for pipe-layers. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025

Maybe the Wii is just a fringe benefit of some other, bigger scheme. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fringe benefit

noun

: a benefit (as vacation, health insurance, or pension plan) given by an employer to employees in addition to pay

Legal Definition

fringe benefit

noun

: an employment benefit (as a pension, a paid holiday, or health insurance) granted by an employer that has a monetary value but that does not affect basic wage rates