reward

1 of 2

verb

re·​ward ri-ˈwȯrd 

rewarded; rewarding; rewards

transitive verb

1

: to give a reward to or for

rewarded the students with extra time at recess

2

: recompense

rewarded the extra work with a cash bonus

rewardable

ri-ˈwȯr-də-bəl 

adjective

rewarder noun

reward

2 of 2

noun

1

: something that is given in return for good or evil done or received or that is offered or given for some service or attainment

The police offered a reward for his capture.

That lying crook got his just rewards.

Members get a discount in reward for getting friends to subscribe.

2

: a stimulus (such as food) that is administered to an organism and serves to reinforce a desired response

Synonyms of reward

Verb

• honor
• award

Noun

• price
• bounty
• bonus

Examples of reward in a Sentence

Verb

She rewarded herself by buying a new pair of shoes.

the firefighters were rewarded by the city for their heroic actions

Noun

The contest offered a cash reward to the first person who could breed a blue rose.

Hard work brings its own rewards.

Members will receive a discount in reward for getting friends or family to join.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The market might reward this potential. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

In a world becoming ever more polluted with AI slop, Iwerks’ film honors the hard work — and reward — of doing things by hand. —Robert Niles, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026

Noun

The defense rested Wednesday in the federal trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, who is accused of soliciting the murder of Border Patrol Commander at Large Greg Bovino by offering cash rewards through Snapchat, according to The Associated Press. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Jan. 2026

In its shareholder letter, Coinbase states that its rewards program drives USDC growth and adoption. —Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French regarder, rewarder to look back at, regard, care for, recompense — more at regard entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reward

• in reward for
• just reward

Rhymes for reward

• abhorred
• aboard
• accord
• adored
• afford
• award
• baseboard
• billboard
• blackboard
• boxboard
• breadboard
• broadsword

Kids Definition

reward

1 of 2 verb

re·​ward ri-ˈwȯrd 

: to give a reward to or for

rewarder noun

reward

2 of 2 noun

1

: something (as money) given or offered in return for a service (as the return of something lost)

2

: a stimulus (as food) that is given to an organism after a correct or desired way of behaving and that makes the behavior more probable in the future

Medical Definition

reward

1 of 2 transitive verb

re·​ward ri-ˈwȯ(ə)rd 

: to give a reward to or for

reward

2 of 2 noun

: a stimulus (as food) that serves to reinforce a desired response