reward
rih-WAWD
Reward (noun) means something given in return for good behaviour, effort, or service. Example: “A day off was her reward for finishing the project early.”
noun
1
Something given in return for good behaviour, effort, or service.
"A day off was her reward for finishing the project early."
"The police offered a cash reward for information leading to an arrest."
"The children earned a trip to the park as a reward for tidying their room."
verb
1
To give someone something in recognition of what they have done.
"The company rewards employees who go above and beyond."
"The teacher rewarded the class with extra playtime for working quietly."
"They rewarded the brave dog with a treat and a long cuddle."
How to use reward
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA payoff for effort, good behaviour, or helpful information — something given back in thanks.
Common pairings
offer a reward
reap the rewards
reward loyalty
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like reward.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- rewards
- Third person singular
- rewards
- Past tense
- rewarded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A day off was her _____ for finishing the project early.
Etymology
From Old French reward/regard, related to reguarder, "to look back at" or "to guard" — ultimately from Germanic roots shared with "regard" and "guard".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for reward
See all rhymes for reward →Frequently asked questions
What does “reward” mean?
The word “reward” means something given in return for good behaviour, effort, or service. In plain terms, a payoff for effort, good behaviour, or helpful information — something given back in thanks.
How do you pronounce “reward”?
“Reward” is pronounced rih-WAWD (/ɹɪˈwɔɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “reward” in a sentence?
Here is “reward” used in a sentence: “A day off was her reward for finishing the project early.”
What is another word for “reward”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reward” include acknowledgment, guerdon, meed, payback, recompense and reguerdon.
What is the opposite of “reward”?
The opposite of “reward” — its antonyms — is penalty.
What part of speech is “reward”?
Depending on how it is used, “reward” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reward” come from?
The word “reward” comes from Old French. From Old French reward/regard, related to reguarder, "to look back at" or "to guard" — ultimately from Germanic roots shared with "regard" and "guard".
Is “reward” a common word?
“Reward” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a reward and a bribe?
A reward is something given in recognition of good behaviour, effort, or service that has already taken place, so it follows and honours a positive action. A bribe, by contrast, is offered beforehand to persuade someone to do something dishonest or to act against their duty. The key distinction is timing and intent: a reward acknowledges merit, while a bribe buys influence.
What is the difference between reward and prize?
A reward is given in return for good behaviour, effort, or service, and often comes from an authority or in return for a specific deed, such as returning lost property. A prize is typically won through competition, a contest, or chance, like a lottery or race. In short, you earn a reward for what you have done, but you win a prize by being the best or the luckiest.
Is it correct to say 'reward someone with' or 'reward someone for'?
Both are correct but do different jobs. You reward someone FOR the thing they did ("they rewarded her for her loyalty") and reward someone WITH the thing you give ("they rewarded her with a bonus"). You can combine them: "they rewarded her for her loyalty with a bonus."
What are common collocations with the word reward?
Common pairings include "offer a reward," "claim a reward," "reap the rewards," and "well-deserved reward." Adjectives such as "generous," "financial," and "cash" often precede it, as in "a generous reward" or "a cash reward."
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include reward:
