: something in addition to what is expected or strictly due: such as
a
: money or an equivalent given in addition to an employee's usual compensation
b
: a premium (as of stock) given by a corporation to a purchaser of its securities, to a promoter, or to an employee
c
: a government payment to war veterans
d
: a sum in excess of salary given to an athlete for signing with a team
Synonyms
Examples of bonus in a Sentence
As a bonus for good behavior you can stay up late.
The product has the added bonus of providing extra vitamins.
Staff members were given a bonus for finishing the project on schedule.
The company offered bonuses to entice new workers.
We receive annual bonuses at the end of the year.
Recent Examples on the Web
As a bonus, the powder contains algae extract, which can hydrate the hair and help strengthen its structure.
—
Jenny Berg, Allure, 27 Jan. 2025
The Information on Monday reported that Instagram is offering creators with large TikTok followings cash bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per month for a creator to shift their videos to Instagram Reels.
—Zach Vallese, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie will likely be happy to sign any of those bonus checks if Barkley keeps up his current level.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2025
And while there are many important things to consider when planning a trip, blue waters and white sand beaches always earn bonus points.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for bonus 
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Jenny Berg, Allure, 27 Jan. 2025
The Information on Monday reported that Instagram is offering creators with large TikTok followings cash bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per month for a creator to shift their videos to Instagram Reels.
—Zach Vallese, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie will likely be happy to sign any of those bonus checks if Barkley keeps up his current level.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2025
And while there are many important things to consider when planning a trip, blue waters and white sand beaches always earn bonus points.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for bonus
Dictionary Entries Near bonus
Cite this Entry
“Bonus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonus. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bonus
noun
bo·nus
ˈbō-nəs 
: something given to somebody (as a worker) in addition to what is usual or owed
Etymology
from Latin bonus "good" — related to bona fide, bonbon, boon entry 2, bounty
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