Definition
An epoch reward is a protocol-defined distribution of newly issued tokens, transaction fees, or other incentive units allocated to participants at the end of a specific epoch in a blockchain network. It is a recurring reward mechanism that compensates eligible actors, typically based on their validated activity, stake, or participation metrics recorded during that discrete time interval.
In Simple Terms
An epoch reward is the payout that a blockchain network assigns after a set period of time called an epoch. It is a scheduled reward given to participants who met the network’s criteria during that period, usually linked to their role in securing or maintaining the chain.
Context and Usage
The term epoch reward is commonly used in discussions of Proof of Stake systems and other consensus designs that organize time into epochs. It appears in protocol documentation, staking dashboards, validator economics, and token emission schedules. The concept is central when analyzing validator incentives, staking returns, and the overall reward structure that governs how value is periodically distributed across network participants.