bonanza

noun

bo·​nan·​za bə-ˈnan-zə How to pronounce bonanza (audio)
Synonyms of bonanza
1
mining : an exceptionally large and rich mineral deposit (as of an ore, precious metal, or petroleum)
2
a
: something that is very valuable, profitable, or rewarding
a box-office bonanza
b
: a very large amount
a bonanza of sympathy
c
: extravaganza
… commercial channels planning all-day viewing bonanzas …—William Borders

Examples of bonanza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Enthusiasm on Wall Street amid the profits bonanza is high, driven by second-quarter corporate earnings that have substantially outpaced expectations. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 In recent years, the Costume Institute’s shows and the Met Gala’s media bonanza have helped to attract new visitors and contributed to reeling in a more diverse audience. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Taken together, this one-two punch of planet-hunting means the Milky Way’s faraway bulge will be a data bonanza. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Aug. 2026 That’s part of a black-market advertising bonanza on the social media site, where sellers are now hawking fake GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and experimental Chinese peptides alongside knockoff luxury handbags and sneakers. — Iain Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bonanza

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, calm sea, from Medieval Latin bonacia, alteration of Latin malacia, from Greek malakia, literally, softness, from malakos soft

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bonanza was in 1825

Rhymes for bonanza

See All Rhymes for bonanza

Browse Nearby Words

bona notabilia
bonanza
Bonaparte
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bonanza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonanza. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bonanza

noun
bo·​nan·​za bə-ˈnan-zə How to pronounce bonanza (audio)
1
: a large and rich mineral deposit
2
: something that brings a rich return

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