giveback

1 of 2

noun

give·​back ˈgiv-ˌbak 

: a previous gain (such as an increase in wages or benefits) given back to management by workers (as in a labor contract)

give back

2 of 2

verb

gave back; given back; giving back; gives back

intransitive verb

1

: to provide help or financial assistance to others in appreciation of one's own success or good fortune

… Gardner has refined the art of giving back by plowing 10 percent or more of his earnings into school and educational projects.

—Ernest Holsendolph

No longer on the fringes of travel, voluntourism has attracted increasing numbers of travelers looking to learn new skills, meet people, and give back to the global community.

—Manya Chylinski

The community had people with time to volunteer and give back.

—Joshua Macht

2

archaic : retire, retreat

… the enemy gave back …

—P. G. Wodehouse

… it is certain that he gave back and ordered his soldiers to commence a slow and guarded retreat.

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

Examples of giveback in a Sentence

Noun

The union had to agree to certain givebacks in order to save the jobs of all its members.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Not many beauty brands have a giveback component and a philanthropic mission. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Some giveback had to be expected at some point. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 12 May 2026

Verb

Wear pink and scoop up some limited edition merch, but no word if Angel Reese’s new doll will be on the shelves (can confirm, however, that Reese spent part of her weekend giving back). — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Cannabis consumers value businesses that educate, give back, advocate for the industry and show up consistently in their communities. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1978, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for giveback

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback

Legal Definition

giveback

noun

give·​back ˈgiv-ˌbak 

: a previous gain (as an increase in wages or benefits) given back to management by workers (as in a labor contract)