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Synonyms

breadwinner

American  
[bred-win-er] / ˈbrɛdˌwɪn ər /

noun

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


breadwinner British  
/ ˈbrɛdˌwɪnə /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of breadwinner

First recorded in 1810–20; bread + winner

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He’s also a breadwinner again for his family.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 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

"I'm not a hypocrite. I'm the breadwinner, earning my living there for my wife and children," Sopian Suputra, who works as a security guard at the plant, said.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Katherine was now the mother and father, the love and the discipline, the carrot and the stick, and the sole breadwinner.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

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