bonus
BOH-nuhs
Bonus (noun) means an extra payment given on top of regular wages, often as a reward for performance. Example: “Employees received a holiday bonus this year.”
noun
1
An extra payment given on top of regular wages, often as a reward for performance.
"Employees received a holiday bonus this year."
"She earned a bonus for hitting her sales target."
"The whole team got an end-of-year bonus after the shop's busiest season."
2
Any welcome extra benefit beyond what was expected.
"The apartment is cheap, and having a balcony is a nice bonus."
"Free parking was a lovely bonus we hadn't expected when booking the hotel."
"The sunny weather was a bonus, since we had only planned an indoor visit."
How to use bonus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething extra and good on top of what you already have or expected.
Common pairings
annual bonus
signing bonus
a nice bonus
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Word forms
- Plural
- bonuses, bonusses, boni
- Third person singular
- bonuses, bonusses
- Past tense
- bonused, bonussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Employees received a holiday _____ this year.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin bonus, meaning "good."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “bonus” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “bonus”?
“Bonus” is pronounced BOH-nuhs (/ˈboʊ.nəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “bonus” in a sentence?
Here is “bonus” used in a sentence: “Employees received a holiday bonus this year.”
What part of speech is “bonus”?
“Bonus” is a noun.
Where does the word “bonus” come from?
The word “bonus” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin bonus, meaning "good.".
Is “bonus” a common word?
“Bonus” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “bonus” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a bonus and a raise?
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.
What are the different types of bonuses?
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.
Is a bonus guaranteed?
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.
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