n.
(pl. premiums)
- an amount paid for a contract of insurance.
- a sum added to an ordinary price, charge, or other payment.
▸
[as modifier]
(of a commodity) superior and more expensive.
- something given as a reward or incentive.
Phrase
- at a premium
- scarce and in demand.
- above the usual price.
- put
(or place)
a premium on
regard as particularly valuable.
Etymology
C17: from L. praemium ‘booty, reward’, from prae ‘before’ + emere ‘buy, take’.