boon

1 of 2

noun

ˈbün 

1

: a timely benefit : blessing

a boon to new homeowners

The rain was a boon for parched crops.

2

: benefit, favor

especially : one that is given in answer to a request

would not grant his boon

boon

2 of 2

adjective

1

: convivial

a boon companion

2

archaic : favorable

Synonyms

Noun

• advantage
• aid
• asset
• benefit
• help

Adjective

• clubbable
• clubable
• clubby
• companionable
• convivial
• extroverted
• extraverted
• gregarious
• outgoing
• sociable
• social

Examples of boon in a Sentence

Noun

the couple's generous donation was a great boon to the charity's fund-raising campaign

a softhearted man who finds it hard to deny any boon, whether it be for friend or stranger

Adjective

I and my boon companions celebrated that afternoon's victory on the gridiron with a night at a local dance club.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While this sounds like a boon for American wine producers, the effects will be more far-reaching, as wine corks are sourced mainly from Portugal as well as Spain, Italy, France, and northern Africa, and many wine bottles come from European producers, so American wine prices will rise as a result. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2025

The deliberations between erstwhile-thinking people can be a tremendous boon to mental advancement for either or both parties. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

As the saga of the Smith Island Cake suggests, state symbols both educate residents about history and heritage—a boon to elementary-school teachers—and entice tourists and travellers, a gift to local businesses. —Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024

New moon nights are a boon to astronomers both professional and amateur; the lack of a bright moon means that fainter objects are easier to see in the sky. —Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English bone prayer, request, the favor requested, from Old Norse bōn request; akin to Old English bēn prayer, bannan to summon — more at ban entry 1

Adjective

Middle English bon, from Anglo-French, good — more at bounty

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing boon

• ace boon coon
• boon companion

Kids Definition

boon

1 of 2 noun

ˈbün 

1

: something asked or granted as a favor

2

: something pleasant or helpful that comes at just the right time : blessing

boon

2 of 2 adjective

: merry sense 1

a boon companion

Etymology

Noun

Middle English boon "favor," from an early Norse word meaning "a request, plea"

Adjective

Middle English boon, bon "favorable," from early French bon "good," derived from Latin bonus "good" — related to bonus