earn

1 of 2

verb (1)

earned; earning; earns

transitive verb

1
a
: to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services rendered
b
: to bring in by way of return
bonds earning 10 percent interest
2
a
: to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to
she earned a promotion
b
: to make worthy of or obtain for
the suggestion earned him a promotion
earner noun

earn

2 of 2

verb (2)

earned; earning; earns

Examples of earn in a Sentence

Verb (1) during my teen years I earned pocket money by mowing lawns you've earned the afternoon off after all that hard work
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.
Verb
Directed by Ridley Scott, the $250 million Gladiator sequel is the top pick for males, both younger and older, and earned a B CinemaScore. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Nov. 2024 For example, a single parent of two who earns $22,000 as a child care worker would gain $675 in the first year, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Bridget Grumet, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 The tune, a collaboration with his longtime guitarist Earl Slick, earns the second-loftiest debut of the week. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 In 2006, Get Lifted earned Legend eight Grammy Award nominations. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for earn 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English ernen, from Old English earnian; akin to Old High German arnōn to reap, Czech jeseň autumn

Verb (2)

probably alteration of yearn

First Known Use

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earn was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near earn

Cite this Entry

“Earn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earn. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

earn

verb
ˈərn
1
: to get for services given
earn a good salary
2
: to deserve as a result of labor or service
earned good grades
earner noun

More from Merriam-Webster on earn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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