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

Between the lines: Geography is only part of the equation here — race plays a role, too. 30.6% of Black renters are spending more than half their income on rent, compared to 23.4% of white renters. —Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 24 Sep. 2024

Plop one down on your forested land—just add a foundation and some midcentury-modern furnishings—and create a hip getaway that builds a passive income. —Christina Shepherd McGuire, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024

This tracks with The Republic's previous reporting on temperature disparities between higher income neighborhoods with more greenery and lower-income areas with less shade and more industry. —Joan Meiners, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024

While revenue fell to $798 million from $1.16 billion a year ago, GameStop said net income rose to 4 cents per share from a loss of 1 cent per share a year ago. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 10 Sep. 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