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

Regulatory changes can impact one source of income, so having alternatives in place will protect your business. —Tamar Badashvili, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Of that, consumers with higher incomes generate about 76 percent more clothing waste than those with lower incomes, according to Boston University’s School of Public Health. —Andre Claudio, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024

In addition to a sizable annual income, Kennedy reported holding significant assets, including between $500,001 and $1 million worth of Bitcoin and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of commercial real estate in Chicago. —Robert Schmad, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Dec. 2024

The Tax Foundation estimates that untaxed tip income could add $107 billion over the next decade to the federal deficit. —Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 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