freemium

[ free-mee-uhm ]

noun

1. a sales strategy, especially on the internet, in which the basic product or service is free, but customers are charged for additional features and content.
2. such a product or service.

adjective

1. of or relating to a freemium:

   freemium games for smartphones.

Word History and Origins

Origin of freemium¹

First recorded in 2005–10; blend of free and premium

Example Sentences

Discord, a messaging app largely used by young gamers, has a freemium model – it is free to sign-up, but additional features, including access to games, come with a pricetag.

From BBC

The privately held app has garnered about 175,000 users and, like its competitors, has a freemium model in which customers can elect to pay for certain features.

From Los Angeles Times

More than 260,000 apps use a so-called freemium model where users pay nothing to download an app but have options to buy premium features, according to Data.ai, an app economy research firm.

From New York Times

It pioneered the "freemium" model, in which the game is free but players can spend money to boost their performance or can watch ads to gain moves.

From Reuters

That’s a threat to the “freemium” model adopted by the likes of Dota 2 and Epic’s Fortnite, which are free to play but charge for in-game cosmetics and extras.

From Seattle Times