variants or less commonly cash-back or cash back
: money or its equivalent (such as a check) or credit given as a rebate and often accrued as a reward for making purchases
… credit cards offering substantial cashbackJon Kowieski
… offering up to $200 in cashback when you purchase coffee from the brand's delivery service …Kasey Caminiti
You can earn cash-back on your groceries with apps …Kerri Anne Renzulli
often used before another noun
… allows customers to earn cashback rewards from restaurants to redeem on dine-in and pickup orders.Kimberly Redmond
… this credit card works best for those who travel frequently and want the best of both worlds in cash back incentives and access to high-end perks.Sean Jackson

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cashback was in 1969

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cashback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cashback. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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