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.
Jumbo loans have stricter approval processes, lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio requirements and higher down payment demands than most conventional loans. — Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 In this volatile backdrop, investors seeking income can bolster their portfolios by adding dividend-paying stocks. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 Staff members share educational materials about housing, mental health, and support for low-income individuals. — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 Investigators said the videos had millions of views and potentially generated large amounts of income. — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Income.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/income. Accessed 2 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

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