Entry Word: gain

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 something added (as by growth) <saw a 15 percent gain in the number of students applying to our school> — see increase 1
2 the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received <the company posted a substantial 4th-quarter gain, signaling an end to their money-losing ventures> — see profit 1
3 gains pluralan increase usually measured in money that comes from labor, business, or property <after a year of hard work, we finally saw some gains in the family business and can now afford to expand> — see income