Earning
'ɜːrnɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo receive money as payment for work or services, or to gain something as a result of your efforts.
'ɜːrn
To obtain money or something else in exchange for labor or services.
He earns a living as a software engineer.
💡 Simply: Imagine you helped your neighbor mow their lawn. The money they give you? That's what you earned! Or if you're really good at video games, you might earn badges.
👶 For kids: Getting money or something good because you did something, like a job or game.
More Examples
She earns a reputation for her honesty.
The company earns a profit from its sales.
How It's Used
"She earns a good salary at the law firm."
"He earns interest on his savings account."
The income or profit that someone or something makes, especially from work or investment.
'ɜːrnɪŋz
The amount of money or other benefit received in payment for work or services, or as profit from investments.
The company announced record earnings this year.
💡 Simply: Think about all the money you get from your allowance, babysitting or from the store. That's your earnings. Or the money a store makes from their sales is the earnings.
👶 For kids: The money you get from working or playing.
More Examples
His earnings are used to support his family.
Investments generated significant earnings for the portfolio.
How It's Used
"The company's earnings increased last quarter."
"His earnings are reported annually to the IRS."
Idioms & expressions
earn a living
To make enough money to support oneself.
"He works as a freelance writer to earn a living."
hard-earned money
Money that is obtained after a lot of effort and hard work.
"He was careful with his hard-earned money."
From Middle English *earning*, present participle of *earnen* 'to earn', from Old English *earnian* 'to earn, deserve'.
The word 'earn' has been used since Old English times, initially signifying 'to deserve', later evolving to its current meaning of 'to gain through labor or service'.
Memory tip
Think of a paycheck! You earn it by working.