pro bono
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of pro bono
First recorded in 1720–30, pro bono is from Latin prō bonō “for (the) good, rightly, morally”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Contact your local legal aid organization or your county or state bar association to ask about pro bono or reduced-fee representation.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
Although some lawyers represented him pro bono, he has spent millions of rupees defending himself.
From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026
He provides pro bono representation in animal-rights cases.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026
The firm committed to provide $40 million in pro bono services for causes favored by the administration, in a deal that removed the executive order but drew widespread criticism inside and outside the firm.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026
The old adage “Talk is cheap until you hire a lawyer” didn’t apply to Bobby since he had two high-profile lawyers working for him pro bono.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
