income

noun

in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm 

also ˈin-kəm

or ˈiŋ-kəm

1

: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor

also : the amount of such gain received in a period of time

has an income of 80,000 a year

a two-income family

2

: a coming in : entrance, influx

fluctuations in the nutrient income of a body of water

Synonyms of income

• revenue
• profit

Examples of income in a Sentence

Any income from investments must be reported.

Farming is his main source of income.

Even on two incomes, we're having a hard time keeping up with our bills.

He earns a good income as a consultant.

What was the company's annual income?

Recent Examples on the Web

Average incomes had stagnated for almost seven years, which led to weak domestic demand, as per local media reports. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 June 2026

The apartments will be reserved for households earning between 30% and 70% of the area’s median income, providing affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income residents. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026

Global income losses during the 1982-1983 and 1997-1998 El Niños were estimated in the trillions of dollars. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 June 2026

For heavy fluid loss, oral rehydration salts are best and are sold in pharmacies across most low- and middle-income countries. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing income

• adjusted gross income
• discretionary income
• disposable income
• income account
• income bond
• income tax
• (income) tax return
• low-income housing
• national income
• negative income tax

Rhymes for income

• become
• checksum
• humdrum
• outcome
• pisum
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• abomasum
• bum
• chum
• come

Kids Definition

income

noun

in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm 

: a gain usually measured in money that comes in from labor, business, or property

Legal Definition

income

noun

in·​come

: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor

also : the amount of such gain received in a period of time

an income of $20,000 a year