earn

1 of 2

verb (1)

earned; earning; earns
Synonyms of earnnext

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
Available in 10 wear-with-anything shades, including black, army green, and brown, the shacket has earned praise from shoppers who call out its high-quality construction and trendy yet comfortable design in their reviews. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026 While many wealthier Americans have enjoyed years of double-digit stock market gains, advancing home prices and rising wages, those earning less have been squeezed by the combination of higher prices, debt and a slowing job market. Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026 Current court battles include players seeking to play longer, without lower-college seasons counting against their eligibility, and earning NIL money while doing it. Andrew Destin, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026 The performance earned Millan his first NFL Offensive Player of the Week honor. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earn. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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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