bounty

noun

boun·​ty ˈbau̇n-tē How to pronounce bounty (audio)
plural bounties
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 The edible bounty is noteworthy, but the valley is best known for its tens of millions of tulips covering the valley every spring. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 With many reservoirs around the state already at above-average storage levels, the new bounty of snow all but guarantees most communities in California will have ample water supplies this summer. Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 But honestly, given the bounty of this year’s Oscars crop? David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 This year, such bounty includes transparent laptops, bendable phones, a Barbie flip phone, and more. Julian Chokkattu Simon Hill, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 You’ll finally be treated to a traditional Greek lunch with the bounty from the property on a scenic terrace that overlooks their olive groves and the sea. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 So hit the market and use the season's bounty to cook our favorite springtime meals full of garden-fresh flavor. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2024 Between yoga classes, indulge in homemade meals that use the seasonal bounty, take a dip in the saltwater pool or hot tub, or unwind with a glass of wine. Julia Eskins, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2024 He’s got his own county, a majestic bounty That he’s got in common with the park Explanation: Historic and pioneer refer to the 175th anniversary this year of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the first newspaper in Minnesota. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bounty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near bounty

Cite this Entry

“Bounty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bounty. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bounty

noun
boun·​ty ˈbau̇nt-ē How to pronounce bounty (audio)
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

bounty

noun
boun·​ty ˈbau̇n-tē How to pronounce bounty (audio)
plural bounties
1
: generosity in bestowing gifts especially by will
2
: a reward, premium, or subsidy especially offered by a government

More from Merriam-Webster on bounty

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