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” ( abate )

Example Sentences

PayPal will not close an account with a payment dispute, active balance or pending rebate or payment.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

The FTC’s litigation targets PBM rebate practices; CVS Health shares rose about 1% Tuesday.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

A diesel rebate scheme for hauliers and bus operators is also expected, which will be backdated.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The budget for one episode was approximately $6.6 million, so the show received a rebate of about $760,000 per episode.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 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