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
For mainstream buyers seeking a capable 16-inch system, the key is timing—Dell’s ever-spinning carousel of deals can turn this safe bet into a standout value, earning it our Editors' Choice award for midrange desktop replacements. Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025 In fact, its low rates earned Third Federal a spot on CNBC Select's . Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025 The top spot, though, belongs to Taste by Thomas Bühner, the domain of that Michelin three-star chef who earned the accolade with his Restaurant La Vie in Osnabrück, Germany. Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The pair earned a total score of 13, marking a strong start to Jauregui's ballroom journey. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 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 19 Sep. 2025.

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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