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.
Animation has proved to be bonanza for the streaming giant. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 This summer is going to be bigger than people think and the brand bonanza will be on par with the Super Bowl. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 12 June 2026 This fee structure, Ford argues, has turned the law into a bonanza for plaintiff attorneys. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 Many are in such fiscal distress that they may well be tempted to host data centers for the potential property-tax bonanza that could bail them out in one fell swoop. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 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 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bonanza

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bonanza

Nglish: Translation of bonanza for Spanish Speakers

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