coupon

noun

1
: a statement of due interest to be cut from a bearer bond when payable and presented for payment
also : the interest rate of a coupon
2
: a small piece of paper that allows one to get a service or product for free or at a lower price: such as
a
: one of a series of attached tickets or certificates often to be detached and presented as needed
b
: a ticket or form authorizing purchases of rationed commodities
c
: a certificate or similar evidence of a purchase redeemable in premiums
d
: a part of a printed advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on merchandise or services

Examples of coupon in a Sentence

Bring in this coupon for a free oil change. I'm always clipping coupons from the newspaper to use at the grocery store. The coupon is good for one free ice-cream cone. Send in this coupon for more information.
Recent Examples on the Web With the help of a 50 percent coupon code for general admission, a sellout is expected for the finals. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 The outage has also created havoc for patients who use drugmaker coupons to get their prescriptions at a discount. Democrat-Gazette Staff and Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2024 The promotion offers 52 free meal coupons to the victorious novice baller, one for each week of the year, according to Brad Reynolds, marketing director for UC Athletics. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 And those who dine on Valentine's Day also get a coupon for a free Pizookie redeemable Feb. 15 through March 31. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Right now, Prime Members can score a hardshell 20-inch carry-on, a spacious duffel bag, and toiletry bag for the unbeatable price of just $90 thanks to an on-site coupon. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2024 Visitors are first met with a spinning wheel that enables them to win coupons of up to $200 that can be used to load up their shopping carts. Drew Bernstein, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 The black version is discounted, but only the white version has the on-page coupon for a bigger discount. Simon Hill, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024 How about this Govee Space Heater is under $40 thanks to an on-site coupon. Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coupon.' 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

French, from Old French, piece, from couper to cut — more at cope entry 1

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coupon was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near coupon

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

coupon

noun
cou·​pon ˈk(y)ü-ˌpän How to pronounce coupon (audio)
1
: a statement of due interest to be cut from a bond and presented for payment on a stated date
2
a
: one of a series of tickets to be detached and presented as needed
b
: a ticket or form allowing the bearer to purchase rationed articles
c
: a certificate or other evidence of a purchase that may be exchanged for premiums
d
: a part of an advertisement to be cut off to use as an order blank or inquiry form or to obtain a discount on the price of something
Etymology

from French coupon "a part of a bill to be cut off and turned in with payment," from early French coupon "a piece (cut off)," from couper "to cut" — related to cope entry 2, coup

Legal Definition

coupon

noun
: a statement of due interest to be cut from a debt instrument and especially a bearer bond when payable and presented for payment
also : the interest rate of a coupon
Etymology

French, from Old French, piece, from couper to cut

More from Merriam-Webster on coupon

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