1an amount to be paid for a contract of insurance.
2a sum added to an ordinary price or charge:customers are reluctant to pay a premium for organic fruit
a sum added to interest or wages; a bonus.
[as modifier] relating to or denoting a commodity of superior quality and therefore a higher price:premium lagers
Stock Exchange the amount by which the price of a share or other security exceeds its issue price, its nominal value, or the value of the assets it represents:the shares jumped to a 70 per cent premium on the first day
3something given as a reward, prize, or incentive:the Society of Arts awarded him a premium
at a premium
1scarce and in demand:space was at a premium
2above the usual or nominal price:touts sell the tickets at a premium
put (or place) a premium on
regard or treat as particularly valuable or important:he put a premium on peace and stability
