English Reference
Noun

freebie

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈfɹibi/ UK /fɹˈiːbi/ free·bie UK spelling freebies

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.


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.

Many restaurants offer points, freebies, discounts and birthday treats to keep customers coming back.

BBC News· 1 Sept 2026

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.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026

From free + -b- (epenthetic) + -ie or free + -bie.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated