boon

1 of 2

noun

ˈbün How to pronounce boon (audio)
Synonyms of boon
1
: a timely benefit : blessing
a boon to new homeowners
The rain was a boon for parched crops.
2
: benefit, favor
especially : one that is given in answer to a request
would not grant his boon

boon

2 of 2

adjective

1
: convivial
a boon companion
2
archaic : favorable

Synonyms of boon

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Noun

Adjective

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Examples of boon in a Sentence

Noun the couple's generous donation was a great boon to the charity's fund-raising campaign a softhearted man who finds it hard to deny any boon, whether it be for friend or stranger Adjective I and my boon companions celebrated that afternoon's victory on the gridiron with a night at a local dance club.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
What’s more, a one-of-one defensive superstar returning to a team in the country’s second-largest media market is a boon to networks and streamers that carry NFL games. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026 As told in the Devi Mahatmya, the gods are beset by the demon (asura) Mahishasura, who received a boon that he cannot be killed by a man—but he can be killed by a woman. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 The diminished focus and declining military presence that so concern South Korea are a boon to its neighbor, China. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 The rooms proved to be catnip for selfie-seekers and a financial boon to museums and galleries, which could dependably rely on them to draw throngs of visitors eager to line up for a chance at a few seconds alone in one of them. — News Desk, Artforum, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boon

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English bone prayer, request, the favor requested, from Old Norse bōn request; akin to Old English bēn prayer, bannan to summon — more at ban entry 1

Adjective

Middle English bon, from Anglo-French, good — more at bounty

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of boon was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing boon

Rhymes for boon

See All Rhymes for boon

Browse Nearby Words

boomy
boon
boon companion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boon

1 of 2 noun
ˈbün How to pronounce boon (audio)
1
: something asked or granted as a favor
2
: something pleasant or helpful that comes at just the right time : blessing

boon

2 of 2 adjective
: merry sense 1
a boon companion
Etymology

Noun

Middle English boon "favor," from an early Norse word meaning "a request, plea"

Adjective

Middle English boon, bon "favorable," from early French bon "good," derived from Latin bonus "good" — related to bonus

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