plural rewards
: money or another kind of payment that is given or received for something that has been done or that is offered for something that might be done
The contest offered a cash reward to the first person who could breed a blue rose.
Hard work brings its own rewards.
She is reaping the rewards of success. [=is getting all the good things that come with success]
—often + forYou deserve a reward for being so helpful.
A (cash) reward is being offered for the return of the lost dog.
The police are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of the fugitive.
You can go to bed late tonight as a reward for doing so well on that test.
Winning the game was a just reward [=an appropriate result] for the team's effort.
That lying crook got his just rewards. [=just deserts]
Members will receive a discount in reward for getting friends or family to join.
Her success is just reward for her hard work. [=she deserves her success because of her hard work]
rewards; rewarded; rewarding
: to give money or another kind of payment to (someone or something) for something good that has been done
She rewarded herself by buying a new pair of shoes.
—often + for or withShe rewarded her children with ice cream for being so patient.
—often used as (be) rewardedShe was rewarded with a cash bonus.
He was rewarded for his effort. = His effort was rewarded.
Cite this Entry
“Reward.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reward. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
