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

Donald Trump has pledged to slap high tariffs on imports and slash corporate income taxes. —Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024

Part of the income from Ainsley’s Spout House will support the Ainsley House Foundation. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

Some economists define middle-class households as those earning between 50% and 150% of the median income, or $40,000 to $121,000 a year. —Jasmine Cui, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024

Division operating income of $21.8 million surged 91%. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 Oct. 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