Reimbursement means paying someone back for money they spent on your behalf or for a shared purpose. When your parents buy supplies for your class project and the school gives them reimbursement, the school is returning the money they spent. When a company employee travels for work and pays for a hotel, the company provides reimbursement for those expenses.

Reimbursement isn't the same as a gift or payment for work. It's specifically about replacing money someone already spent.

Schools often reimburse teachers for classroom supplies. Insurance companies reimburse patients for medical costs. Parents might reimburse a babysitter for pizza they bought for the kids. In each case, someone spent their own money first, then got it back.

To receive reimbursement, people usually need to show proof of what they spent, like a receipt. The process of getting reimbursed can take time, which is why people sometimes say they're waiting for reimbursement or seeking reimbursement for expenses they've already paid.