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

Notice 2006-59 also makes clear that leave-sharing plans that permit employees to donate leave for use by other employees who have been adversely affected by a major disaster will not be included in income. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

The company’s net income has quadrupled over the last five years, yet its operating margin will increase by just one percentage point to 28% next year from the level projected for 2024. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024

The streamer has had a massive past few months, reporting $9.83 billion in revenue and $2.91 billion in operating income. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 17 Oct. 2024

The company also saw large year-over-year increases in its revenue, to reach $9.83 billion, and in its operating income, which hit $2.91 billion. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 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