earned; earning; earns
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
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
Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Both athletes are making their fifth Olympic appearance — and final one, in Knight’s case — and are earning the honor for the first time.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
White terrazzo marble floors with cracks that are certainly well earned by the likes of dancing stilettos, dropped Champagne bottles, and jade macaws thrown in rage.
—Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
It's considered one of the top restaurants in the world and has earned three Michelin stars.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earn
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Verb
Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services.
—Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Both athletes are making their fifth Olympic appearance — and final one, in Knight’s case — and are earning the honor for the first time.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
White terrazzo marble floors with cracks that are certainly well earned by the likes of dancing stilettos, dropped Champagne bottles, and jade macaws thrown in rage.
—Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
It's considered one of the top restaurants in the world and has earned three Michelin stars.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earn
Cite this Entry
“Earn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earn. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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