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 $30,000 a year

2

: a coming in : entrance, influx

fluctuations in the nutrient income of a body of water

Synonyms

• earnings
• gain(s)
• incoming(s)
• proceeds
• profit
• return
• revenue
• yield

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

The Atlanta Fed also found that the negative effects of high rates and prices more than outweighed the benefits from growing incomes for the typical American. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 July 2024

Most tobacco farmers couldn’t reach their fields, losing not only their crops — the main source of income here — but also the chance to plant for next season. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024

JPMorgan reported a net interest income of $22.9 billion, a 4% yearly increase. —Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 12 July 2024

Recipients of the pilot program were chosen in 2022 and had to be between the ages 18 to 24 and earn an income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level — about $69,000 for a three-person household — to qualify. —Dana Munro, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing income

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

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