Word
freebie
Phoneticsfree·bie, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɹibi/
UK/fɹˈiːbi/
Informal
Definition
n. something you get for free, like a small gift or a service that costs nothing. You often use this word when you are talking about things you receive without paying for them.
n. an item or service provided at no cost to the recipient.
Examples
“The hotel gives you a freebie like a bottle of water.”
“The company offers a freebie to everyone who signs up for their newsletter this month.”
“While the initial consultation is free, the firm often relies on the freebie of a small gift to encourage clients to return for more expensive services later.”
Examples
simple
“The hotel gives you a freebie like a bottle of water.”
contextual
“The company offers a freebie to everyone who signs up for their newsletter this month.”
complex
“While the initial consultation is free, the firm often relies on the freebie of a small gift to encourage clients to return for more expensive services later.”
Real-World Examples
“Many restaurants offer points, freebies, discounts and birthday treats to keep customers coming back.” “Freebies: a free four-year 16-25 Railcard, which is good for a third off most rail fares in Great Britain, as well as discounts on the tube when linked to an Oyster card.” Etymology
From free + -b- (epenthetic) + -ie or free + -bie.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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