income

noun

in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm How to pronounce income (audio)
also ˈin-kəm
or ˈiŋ-kəm
Synonyms of income
1
: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor
also : the amount of such gain received in a period of time
has an income of 80,000 a year
a two-income family
2
: a coming in : entrance, influx
fluctuations in the nutrient income of a body of water

Synonyms of income

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Examples of income in a Sentence

Any income from investments must be reported. Farming is his main source of income. Even on two incomes, we're having a hard time keeping up with our bills. He earns a good income as a consultant. What was the company's annual income?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many higher-income countries, though challenged by the disruption, have cushioned the blow by tapping strategic reserves or using their financial and political clout to secure emergency supplies. — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026 Another factor worth evaluating is your incomes and how combining them (or keeping them separate) influences your total tax bill. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026 Bridgespan’s report finds that families in middle-income countries are more likely to administer their own programs than those in higher-income countries. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026 Delaware is the partial exception, exempting income accumulated for out-of-state beneficiaries, Teal said. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for income

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of income was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing income

Rhymes for income

See All Rhymes for income

Browse Nearby Words

incombustible
income
income account
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Cite this Entry

“Income.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/income. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

income

noun
in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm How to pronounce income (audio)
: a gain usually measured in money that comes in from labor, business, or property

Legal Definition

income

noun
in·​come
: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor
also : the amount of such gain received in a period of time
an income of $20,000 a year

More from Merriam-Webster on income

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about income

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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