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

Some experts say doing so would soften credit card rewards programs and make accessing credit hard for those with lower credit scores. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026

Back in the day, the Globes loved to plant a flag for new shows in the TV categories, rewarding work ahead of the Emmys. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026

Noun

Zalava's good fortune came just a few days after another player, who opted to remain anonymous, claimed his own cash reward after winning the $983M Mega Millions jackpot two months earlier, according to a press release from the Georgia Lottery. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Your historical victory is your reward for your historical abasement. —Literary Hub, 15 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