A reward is something valuable you receive for doing something good, working hard, or achieving a goal. When your teacher gives you extra recess time for completing all your homework on time, that's a reward. When a scientist wins a prize for discovering something important, that's a reward too.

Rewards come in many forms: money, recognition, privileges, or even just the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult. A dog trainer gives treats as rewards when a puppy learns a new trick. A company might offer a reward for information leading to a lost item. Parents might reward good behavior with a special outing.

The word can also mean the natural good feeling that comes from doing something worthwhile. When you help a friend understand a hard math problem, the reward might simply be seeing them finally understand it. When you practice piano for months and can finally play a difficult piece beautifully, that sense of achievement is its own reward.

Notice that rewards usually come after the effort or good deed, not before. They acknowledge what you've already done. This is different from a bribe, which tries to convince someone to do something they might not otherwise do. A reward celebrates accomplishment; it doesn't manipulate behavior.