n. pl. bo·nus·es 1. Something given or paid in addition to what is usual or expected.
2. a. A sum of money or an equivalent given to an employee in addition to the employee's usual compensation.
b. A sum of money in addition to salary that is given to a professional athlete for signing up with a team.
3. A subsidy from a government to an industry.
4. A sum of money paid by a government to a war veteran.
5. A premium, as of stock, that is given by a corporation to another party, such as a purchaser of its securities.
6. A sum of money that is paid by a corporation in excess of interest or royalties charged for the granting of a privilege or a loan to that corporation.
7. Basketball An additional free throw awarded to a player who has been fouled when the opposing team has committed more than a specified number of fouls during a period of play.