income

noun

in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm How to pronounce income (audio)
 also  ˈin-kəm,
 or  ˈiŋ-kəm
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 $30,000 a year
2
: a coming in : entrance, influx
fluctuations in the nutrient income of a body of water

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.
This should benefit MetLife as unlike automotive or general insurers, who rely on shorter-term policies and underwriting income, life insurers are more sensitive to rates due to their long-term bond-heavy investment strategies. Trefis Team, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Schulz’s posthumous income was estimated to be $30 million. Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 Sam Altman and others believe that some form of universal basic income will be necessary to offset the economic impacts of AGI. Alex Heath, The Verge, 3 Jan. 2025 Persistent inflation has stretched household budgets, leaving less income to cover monthly payments. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near income

Cite this Entry

“Income.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/income. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!