rebate

¹ American  

[ree-beyt, ree-beyt, ri-beyt] / ˈri beɪt, ˈri beɪt, rɪˈbeɪt /

noun

1. a return of part of the original payment for some service or merchandise; partial refund.

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verb (used with object)

rebated, rebating

1. to allow as a discount.

2. to deduct (a certain amount), as from a total.

3. to return (part of an original payment).

   He rebated five dollars to me.

4. to provide a rebate for (merchandise) after purchase.

   The manufacturer is rebating this air conditioner.

5. to blunt (an edged or pointed weapon).

6. to cover the edge or point of (an edged or pointed weapon) in order to make it incapable of cutting or piercing.

verb (used without object)

rebated, rebating

1. to allow rebates, especially as the policy or practice of a company, store, etc.

rebate ² American  

[ree-beyt, rab-it] / ˈri beɪt, ˈræb ɪt /

noun

rebated, rebating

1. rabbet.

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rebate ¹ British  

/ ˈræbɪt, ˈriːbeɪt /

noun

1. another word for rabbet

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rebate ² British  

noun

1. a refund of a fraction of the amount payable or paid, as for goods purchased in quantity; discount

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verb

1. to deduct (a part) of a payment from (the total)

2. archaic to reduce or diminish (something or the effectiveness of something)

rebate Cultural  

1. The return of part of a payment for a good. Unlike a discount, which is deducted from the price before purchase, a rebate is returned after purchase.

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Other Word Forms

• rebatable
  adjective
• rebateable
  adjective
• rebater
  noun

Etymology

Origin of rebate

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English rebaten (verb), from Old French rabatre “to beat, put down,” from re- re- + (a)batre “to beat” ( see abate)

Explanation

A rebate is a partial refund of the cost of an item. It acts as an incentive to help sell the product. If your new cell phone came with a rebate, you'll get a check in the mail for a certain amount of the cost. A well-known rebate occurred in 2007 when President George Bush issued tax rebate checks to many people in America, giving back some of what each person paid in taxes. Rebate comes from the Old French word rabattre, meaning "beat down, drive back." Rebate can also be used as a verb that refers to giving a reduction in price during a sale. For example, your internet provider might rebate your bill for three months to keep you as a customer.

Example Sentences

Hungary, which has grown significantly as a hub for international production over the last decade, divides its test for a 30% rebate between cultural content and production conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Kalshi and Polymarket said they rebate some market makers’ fees and sometimes even pay them for providing liquidity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Heating payments to social welfare recipients will be extended for four weeks, and there will be enhancements to a rebate programme for hauliers.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

PayPal, like any other legitimate payment app, wants to fulfill its duty to you by making sure that all funds — such as the $5 rebate — are received before you close your account.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

“Then we’ll thresh out the letters and the rebate question, if I have the cross-examining of you.”

From The Boss of Wind River by Chisholm, A. M. (Arthur Murray)

Related Words

• abatement
• allowance
• bonus
• deduction
• discount
• kickback
• reduction
• reimbursement
• repayment