refund

¹ American  

[ri-fuhnd, ree-fuhnd, ree-fuhnd] / rɪˈfʌnd, ˈri fʌnd, ˈri fʌnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to give back or restore (especially money); repay.

2. to make repayment to; reimburse.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make repayment.

noun

1. an act or instance of refunding.

2. an amount refunded.

refund ² American  

[ree-fuhnd] / riˈfʌnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to fund anew.

2. Finance.

   1. to meet (a matured debt structure) by new borrowing, especially through issuance of bonds.

   2. to replace (an old issue) with a new one.

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refund British  

verb

1. to give back (money), as when an article purchased is unsatisfactory

2. to reimburse (a person)

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noun

1. return of money to a purchaser or the amount so returned

Other Word Forms

• nonrefundability noun
• nonrefundable adjective
• refundability noun
• refundable adjective
• refunder noun
• refundment noun
• unrefundable adjective

Etymology

Origin of refund¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English verb refunden “to export, transmit,” from Old French refonder, refunder “to reimburse” and Latin refundere “to pour back,” equivalent to re- re- + fundere “to pour”; found ³

Origin of refund²

First recorded in 1855–60; re- + fund

Example Sentences

Will billions of dollars from the overturned tariffs flow back to the hundreds of businesses demanding refunds?

From The Wall Street Journal

Friday’s ruling may also trigger a process of refunding billions of dollars for tariffs that have already been paid to the U.S.

From MarketWatch

Friday’s ruling may also trigger a process of refunding billions of dollars for tariffs that have already been paid to the U.S.

From MarketWatch

Southwest is offering to rebook travel External link, waive change fees or provide refunds for passengers whose flights were canceled.

From Barron's

But the decision did not mention refunds directly, and any process would likely take a number of years.

From BBC

Related Words

• allowance
• compensation
• discount
• kickback
• payment
• rebate
• reimbursement
• repayment
• restitution