: 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
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
Nothing flexes supremacy like a reverse somersault on one foot, landing on a blade as thick as a MacBook Air screen, being just a bonus element of a program.
—
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.
—Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Close but not quite to bonus points yet are Song Sung Blue at $24 million and Anaconda at $45 million.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
Featuring a knee-high cutoff and a moderate, chunky heel, this classic boot includes thoughtful bonuses like grippy soles for extra traction and noise resistance, an elastic-stretch opening for easy removal, and a water-resistant faux leather exterior that only requires the occasional spot clean.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bonus
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Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.
—Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Close but not quite to bonus points yet are Song Sung Blue at $24 million and Anaconda at $45 million.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
Featuring a knee-high cutoff and a moderate, chunky heel, this classic boot includes thoughtful bonuses like grippy soles for extra traction and noise resistance, an elastic-stretch opening for easy removal, and a water-resistant faux leather exterior that only requires the occasional spot clean.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bonus
Cite this Entry
“Bonus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonus. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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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