earn
1 Americanverb (used with object)
-
to gain or get in return for one's labor or service.
to earn one's living.
-
to merit as compensation, as for service; deserve.
to receive more than one has earned.
-
to acquire through merit.
to earn a reputation for honesty.
-
to gain as due return or profit.
Savings accounts earn interest.
-
to bring about or cause deservedly.
His fair dealing earned our confidence.
verb (used without object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to gain or be paid (money or other payment) in return for work or service
-
(tr) to acquire, merit, or deserve through behaviour or action
he has earned a name for duplicity
-
(tr) (of securities, investments, etc) to gain (interest, return, profit, etc)
Synonym Usage
See gain 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of earn1
First recorded before 900; Middle English ern(i)en Old English earnian; akin to Old High German arnēn “to earn, harvest”
Origin of earn2
First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps variant of yearn
Explanation
When you earn something, you gain it as a result of your actions. You can earn your friend's gratitude by rescuing her pet kitten from a tree. Earning has to do with things people get through their own efforts or behavior. A good friend earns your trust. A dishonest coworker might earn a reputation as a liar. This word is also used in financial contexts. If someone asks how much you earned last year, they're asking how much money you made at your job.
Vocabulary lists containing earn
Michelle Obama's final address as First Lady (2017)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Workshop 1, Part 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Bronx Masquerade
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
And by 2030, some 155 million households are expected to earn more than $9,500 annually, providing a further tailwind to growth.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
In fact, in some cases players can earn more by not going pro.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
But Lowden went on to earn his fractured action-hero gravitas the hard way: summer classes at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and several years of stage work.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026
Tribak described his life as "not bad", but told AFP: "I thought I would earn more if I put in the same effort there as I do here."
From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026
Dasch tried to think of every possible idea, wanting to prove his worth and earn Kappe's respect.
From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
