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

Last year, Resounding Joy brought the healing power of music to nearly 10,000 community members of all ages, abilities and incomes across San Diego County in places ranging from hospital rooms to community parks. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Actual refund amounts vary based on income, withholdings and individual tax situations. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026

In 2010, Bergman/Rivera chose to deepen its involvement with farmers by implementing practices designed not only to improve their well-being, health and income, but also to monitor climate impact and environmental data more closely. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

More than one-quarter of the league’s revenue comes from seating and suites, and combined with the 9% coming from concessions and parking, make up the second-largest chunk of the NBA’s income. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for income

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

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