award

An award is something that you give to someone who has done something very well.

Example: Each year, Westinghouse announces the winners of its awards for the best high-school science projects.

An award is money that a court decides should be given to somebody who has won a legal case.

Example: The lawyer often takes 10 to 30 percent of any awards of damages.

If you award somebody something, you officially give it to them, usually because they have done something well.

Example: A total of $205,000 in prize money will be awarded, with $50,000 for the winner and $25,000 for second place.

If you award somebody something, you officially decide that somebody should receive money or a contract.

Example: The judge ruled that the company had no just cause for dismissing Morsi, and he was awarded damages.