earn

¹

[ urn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to gain or get in return for one's labor or service:

   to earn one's living.

   Synonyms: obtain, receive, make, procure

2. to merit as compensation, as for service; deserve:

   to receive more than one has earned.

3. to acquire through merit:

   to earn a reputation for honesty.

4. to gain as due return or profit:

   Savings accounts earn interest.

5. to bring about or cause deservedly:

   His fair dealing earned our confidence.

verb (used without object)

1. to gain income:

   securities that earn on a quarterly basis.

earn

²

[ urn ]

verb (used without object)

, Obsolete.

1. to grieve.

earn

/ ɜːn /

verb

1. to gain or be paid (money or other payment) in return for work or service
2. tr to acquire, merit, or deserve through behaviour or action

   he has earned a name for duplicity

3. tr (of securities, investments, etc) to gain (interest, return, profit, etc)

Other Words From

• earner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of earn¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English ern(i)en Old English earnian; akin to Old High German arnēn “to earn, harvest”

Origin of earn²

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps variant of yearn

Word History and Origins

Origin of earn¹

Old English earnian; related to Old High German arnēn to reap, Old Saxon asna salary, tithe

Idioms and Phrases

• penny saved is a penny earned

Synonym Study

See gain ¹.

Related Words

• acquire
• bring in
• collect
• derive
• draw
• gain
• get
• make
• obtain
• pick up
• realize
• reap
• receive
• score
• secure
• win