: 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 WebJohn Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Feb. 2024
By contrast, the Fowler Museum uncovered the items’ illicit history on its own and initiated the giveback.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2024
Despite revenue declines, the state remains on track to run another surplus this year, unless the economy declines more sharply or Kemp and lawmakers ramp up tax givebacks.
—Jeff Amy, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2023
But that year, Even Stevens suspended its giveback program in a restructuring effort to repair its finances, and around then, also closed stores in Arizona, Colorado and Texas, The Tribune previously reported.
—Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
These special sales are usually made available to REI Co-op members, which is an annual membership program that gives you access to perks like major sale events, a 10% giveback on eligible purchases year-over-year, and a discount on gear rentals and member events.
—John Thompson, Men's Health, 17 Aug. 2023
Mayo should be congratulated for its operating success at a difficult time, as well as for considering a giveback with some of the CARES Act funding, said Dr. Ziad Obermeyer, a health policy researcher at the University of California-Berkeley who was part of the study published in JAMA.
—Christopher Snowbeck, Star Tribune, 21 Aug. 2020
Gokey’s foundation works with local nonprofits to do meaningful community givebacks in cities where the Christian pop artist tours.
—La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2023
The giveback was significant.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Mar. 2021
Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
This list celebrates many companies that recognize the value of giving back to society as a whole, putting people and the planet over profit.
—Alyssa Edwards, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Enjoy Craft Beers Sip on local brews at Starr Hill, the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia; do-gooders should order The Love, a light wheat beer that gives back to Lynchburg charities.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2024
With a passion for giving back, Royston is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of millions through his charitable initiatives.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
Josh Peck is celebrating Easter by giving back to the Los Angeles community.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
Focus on giving back, and satisfaction and gratification will be yours.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024
After being threatened with legal action, bank executives agreed to return the funds, but only gave back $150,000 of the initial amount, which led to the suit.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024
If no crimes have been committed during the period, the law states that the guns must be given back.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2024
Noun
What are your thoughts on a giveback to an animal shelter?
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Feb. 2024
By contrast, the Fowler Museum uncovered the items’ illicit history on its own and initiated the giveback.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2024
Despite revenue declines, the state remains on track to run another surplus this year, unless the economy declines more sharply or Kemp and lawmakers ramp up tax givebacks.
—Jeff Amy, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2023
But that year, Even Stevens suspended its giveback program in a restructuring effort to repair its finances, and around then, also closed stores in Arizona, Colorado and Texas, The Tribune previously reported.
—Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
These special sales are usually made available to REI Co-op members, which is an annual membership program that gives you access to perks like major sale events, a 10% giveback on eligible purchases year-over-year, and a discount on gear rentals and member events.
—John Thompson, Men's Health, 17 Aug. 2023
Mayo should be congratulated for its operating success at a difficult time, as well as for considering a giveback with some of the CARES Act funding, said Dr. Ziad Obermeyer, a health policy researcher at the University of California-Berkeley who was part of the study published in JAMA.
—Christopher Snowbeck, Star Tribune, 21 Aug. 2020
Gokey’s foundation works with local nonprofits to do meaningful community givebacks in cities where the Christian pop artist tours.
—La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2023
The giveback was significant.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Mar. 2021
Verb
The Lucky Ducklings are committed to giving back to the San Diego community.
—Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
This list celebrates many companies that recognize the value of giving back to society as a whole, putting people and the planet over profit.
—Alyssa Edwards, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Enjoy Craft Beers Sip on local brews at Starr Hill, the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia; do-gooders should order The Love, a light wheat beer that gives back to Lynchburg charities.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2024
With a passion for giving back, Royston is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of millions through his charitable initiatives.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
Josh Peck is celebrating Easter by giving back to the Los Angeles community.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
Focus on giving back, and satisfaction and gratification will be yours.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024
After being threatened with legal action, bank executives agreed to return the funds, but only gave back $150,000 of the initial amount, which led to the suit.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024
If no crimes have been committed during the period, the law states that the guns must be given back.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'giveback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Cite this Entry
“Giveback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveback. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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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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