English Reference
noun · verb

rebate

n. · v.
US /ˈɹiˌbeɪt/ UK /ɹˈiːbeɪt/ re·bate UK spelling rebate's, rebate's, rebating

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.an amount of money that is paid back to you, often by a government or a company.

    n.a return of part of a payment or a deduction from an amount due, such as a tax refund or a promotional discount.

    Simple

    The government offered a tax rebate to homeowners who installed solar panels.

    In context

    Eligible residents can apply for a significant rebate on their utility bills if they meet the new energy-efficiency criteria.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    n.the edge of a piece of film where there is no picture.

    n.the unexposed edge of a roll of film, typically containing manufacturer information or frame numbers.

    Simple

    The photographer decided to include the film rebate in the final print for an artistic look.

    In context

    Scanning the full frame including the rebate allows the viewer to see the specific film stock used for the project.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical

    n.a rectangular groove cut into the edge of a piece of wood so another piece can fit into it.

    n.a rectangular step or groove cut into the edge of a machinable material, usually wood, to form a joint.

    Simple

    He cut a rebate into the wooden frame so the glass would sit perfectly inside.

    In context

    The carpenter used a specialized plane to create a clean rebate along the edge of the cabinet door.

    Usage

    Often spelled 'rabbet' in American English woodworking contexts.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to give someone a partial refund or to reduce a bill.

    v.to deduct or return a specific amount from a bill, payment, or tax obligation.

    Simple

    The company agreed to rebate ten percent of the purchase price to all customers.

    In context

    The manufacturer promised to rebate a portion of the wholesale cost if the retailer met the quarterly sales targets.

The rebate stems from duties the retailer paid after President Trump imposed a wave of tariffs on imported goods last year.

BBC News· 20 Aug 2026

How long do you have to wait for a tax rebate in Spain?

The Local· 12 Aug 2026

From Old French rabatre < batre. See also abate.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated