capital gain

noun

: the increase in value of an asset (such as stock or real estate) between the time it is bought and the time it is sold

Examples of capital gain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Selling an investment for a profit is another—which brings us to capital gains. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

At issue are long-term capital gains taxes, which the federal government imposes on profits from the sale of a capital asset. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Roughly 1 in 3 homeowners — nearly 29 million households — have built up more equity than the federal capital gains tax exclusion for single filers, $250,000, according to a 2025 analysis by the National Association of Realtors. — Annie Nova,sarah Agostino,kelli Grant, Cfp®, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

The closing agent may not need to issue the form if the sale of your principal residence qualifies for the home sale capital gains exclusion. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for capital gain

• cyclopropane
• legerdemain
• nitromethane
• ultramontane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine

Legal Definition

capital gain

see also:

gain