plural bounties
Synonyms of bounty
1
: something that is given generously
nature's bounty
2
: liberality in giving : generosity
3
: yield especially of a crop
this summer's bounty of tomatoes
4
: a reward, premium, or subsidy especially when offered or given by a government: such as
a
: an extra allowance to induce entry into the armed services
b
: a grant to encourage an industry
c
: a payment to encourage the destruction of noxious animals
a bounty on coyotes
d
: a payment for the capture of or assistance in the capture of an outlaw
had a bounty of $500 on his head

Examples of bounty in a Sentence

summer's bounty of plump tomatoes The cottage is filled with a bounty of fresh flowers.
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.
Charlotte is blessed with a bounty of bakeries stocking fresh cakes, cupcakes, croissants and other treats to soothe your sweet tooth. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026 In its bleakest moments, the novel suggests that the ordeal of being gay in a venomously bigoted society negates its bounty. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Random-team breaks, draft-style breaks, bounty breaks, pull games, points-program breaks, train games, King of the Hill and HP Battles are out. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 The footage, reportedly released by media linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, claimed a $10 million bounty had been placed on the president’s youngest son. Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bounty

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bounte goodness, from Anglo-French bunté, bountee, from Latin bonitat-, bonitas, from bonus good, from Old Latin duenos; akin to Sanskrit duva reverence, favor

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bounty was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

plural bounties
1
b
: something given generously
2
: money given as a reward (as for killing a harmful animal or capturing a criminal)
Etymology

Middle English bounte "goodness," from early French bunté (same meaning), derived from Latin bonus "good" — related to bonus

Legal Definition

plural bounties
1
: generosity in bestowing gifts especially by will
2
: a reward, premium, or subsidy especially offered by a government

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