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.
In 2013, lawmakers created EdChoice Expansion, initially allowing kindergarten students whose family income was at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify, regardless of how their local public schools performed. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Focusing on low income nations and vulnerable populations has been a defining thread throughout Georgieva's career. — CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 Also a list of the true names and addresses of all former slaves, along with their actual occupations and 1858 yearly incomes, which, surprising no one, were right on par with the incomes of similar whites. — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 The business earned little to no income, had no employees, had not paid wages, and had not filed W-2 forms with the Internal Revenue Service, according to officials. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 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

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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 22 Oct. 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

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