bonus

The word “bonus” means an extra payment given on top of regular wages, often as a reward for performance. In plain terms, something extra and good on top of what you already have or expected.

“Bonus” is pronounced BOH-nuhs (/ˈboʊ.nəs/ in IPA).

Here is “bonus” used in a sentence: “Employees received a holiday bonus this year.”

“Bonus” is a noun.

The word “bonus” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin bonus, meaning "good.".

“Bonus” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Bonus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an extra payment given on top of regular wages, often as a reward for performance.

A bonus is a one-time extra payment, often tied to performance, that does not change your regular salary. A raise permanently increases your base pay going forward. A bonus is a single reward you may or may not get again; a raise lifts every future paycheck. Employers often use bonuses when they can't commit to a raise.

Common types include the performance bonus, tied to hitting targets; the signing bonus, paid to attract a new hire; the year-end or holiday bonus; and the referral bonus for recommending a good candidate. Some companies also share profits through bonuses. Each rewards a different behaviour, but all sit on top of normal pay.

Usually not. Most bonuses are discretionary, meaning the employer decides whether to pay them based on performance, company profits, or other factors. Some contracts do promise a guaranteed bonus, but many depend on results and can shrink or disappear in a bad year. Always check whether a bonus is contractual or discretionary.