reward

1 of 2

verb

re·​ward ri-ˈwȯrd 

rewarded; rewarding; rewards

transitive verb

1

: to give a reward to or for

2

: recompense

rewardable

ri-ˈwȯr-də-bəl 

adjective

rewarder noun

reward

2 of 2

noun

1

: something that is given in return for good or evil done or received or that is offered or given for some service or attainment

the police offered a reward for his capture

2

: a stimulus (such as food) that is administered to an organism and serves to reinforce a desired response

Synonyms

Verb

• award

Noun

• bounty
• price

Examples of reward in a Sentence

Verb

She rewarded herself by buying a new pair of shoes.

the firefighters were rewarded by the city for their heroic actions

Noun

The contest offered a cash reward to the first person who could breed a blue rose.

Hard work brings its own rewards.

Members will receive a discount in reward for getting friends or family to join.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As shown in footage shared on social media, FC Barcelona star Raphinha rewarded teammate Lamine Yamal for winning the Kopa Trophy by giving him a gold iPhone. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, the outer promenade at Brooklyn Bridge Park rewards strolling visitors with an up close view of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty herself. —Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

Research has also shown that desirable low-stress rat environments retune their brains’ reward circuits, such as the nucleus accumbens. —Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024

Of course, the reward also includes the somewhat manufactured prestige of hoisting the in-season tournament’s titular trophy, which Murray promoted in a commercial this summer alongside Anthony Davis, Steph Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton and Jrue Holiday. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French regarder, rewarder to look back at, regard, care for, recompense — more at regard entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reward

• just reward

Kids Definition

reward

1 of 2 verb

re·​ward ri-ˈwȯrd 

: to give a reward to or for

rewarder noun

reward

2 of 2 noun

1

: something (as money) given or offered in return for a service (as the return of something lost)

2

: a stimulus (as food) that is given to an organism after a correct or desired way of behaving and that makes the behavior more probable in the future

Medical Definition

reward

1 of 2 transitive verb

re·​ward ri-ˈwȯ(ə)rd 

: to give a reward to or for

reward

2 of 2 noun

: a stimulus (as food) that serves to reinforce a desired response