: a previous gain (such as an increase in wages or benefits) given back to management by workers (as in a labor contract)
gave back; given back; giving back; gives back
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
Ernest HolsendolphNo 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
Manya ChylinskiThe community had people with time to volunteer and give back.—Joshua Macht
Joshua MachtExamples 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
Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The tepid action follows Friday’s strong rally, which pushed the S & P Oscillator near overbought territory and may explain some of the modest giveback.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
For just $2, every ticket is a chance to win big, while also giving back to public programs and services that benefit communities wherever Powerball is played.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for giveback
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Noun
When a new Raising Cane’s opens, the chain celebrates by hosting a community giveback and a chance for customers to win free Cane’s for a year.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The tepid action follows Friday’s strong rally, which pushed the S & P Oscillator near overbought territory and may explain some of the modest giveback.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
In the spirit of giving back, the Fineman sisters have selected the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation as the charitable partner for the capsule, honoring their cousin who is a firefighter and supporting those impacted by the California wildfires.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
For just $2, every ticket is a chance to win big, while also giving back to public programs and services that benefit communities wherever Powerball is played.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for giveback
Cite this Entry
“Giveback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveback. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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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)
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