breadwinner

American  

[bred-win-er] / ˈbrɛdˌwɪn ər /

noun

1. a person who earns a livelihood, especially one who also supports dependents.

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breadwinner British  

/ ˈbrɛdˌwɪnə /

noun

1. a person supporting a family with his or her earnings

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Other Word Forms

• breadwinning noun

Etymology

Origin of breadwinner

First recorded in 1810–20; bread + winner

Example Sentences

In modern America, high-income households are powered not by a single breadwinner, but by two sustained professional careers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Burden’s marriage began to settle into the traditional gender roles of homemaker and breadwinner, despite the fact that it was Burden who had financed their lifestyle.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

After searching for a new rental property she and her partner realised they could no longer afford to stay in London, particularly as Georgie was the "predominant breadwinner".

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

As the breadwinner for her family, Modica said the stress of student debt never goes away.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

He had a job he had to keep because he was the breadwinner in the household.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge