income

noun

in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm How to pronounce income (audio)
also ˈin-kəm
or ˈiŋ-kəm
Synonyms of income
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hanoi wants to have Vietnam reach high-income status by 2045. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026 According to Citizens, qualifying deposits include recurring income electronically deposited through paychecks, Social Security payments, pensions and other regular income. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 State figures from 2022, for example, show less than 1% of filers reported an income over $1 million, but those returns accounted for 35% of overall income tax revenue. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 The earlier case centers on an alleged scheme to cash in on a government program meant to build homes for low-income Venezuelans. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for income

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of income was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing income

Rhymes for income

See All Rhymes for income

Browse Nearby Words

incombustible
income
income account
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Cite this Entry

“Income.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/income. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

income

noun
in·​come ˈin-ˌkəm How to pronounce income (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on income

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about income

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