Definition of earn
transitive verb
1a : to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services renderedb : to bring in by way of return bonds earning 10 percent interest
2a : to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to she earned a promotionb : to make worthy of or obtain for the suggestion earned him a promotion
earner
nounExplore M-W
Origin and Etymology of earn
Middle English ernen, from Old English earnian; akin to Old High German arnōn to reap, Czech jeseň autumn
First Known Use: before 12th century
Other Economics Terms
Origin and Etymology of earn
probably alteration of yearn
First Known Use: circa 1530
EARN Defined for Kids
earn
playDefinition of earn for Students
earned
;earning
1 : to get for work done She earns her pay.
2 : to deserve as a result of labor or service He earned good grades.
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See words that rhyme with earn Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for earn Spanish Central: Translation of earn Nglish: Translation of earn for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of earn for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about earn
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