noun C2 Proficient

breadwinner

BREHD-wihn

Breadwinner (noun) means the person in a family or household who earns most or all of the money. Example: “After her husband lost his job, she became the family's main breadwinner.”

noun

The person in a family or household who earns most or all of the money.

"After her husband lost his job, she became the family's main breadwinner."

How to use breadwinner

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhoever brings in the household income.

Common pairings

sole breadwinner main breadwinner family breadwinner

Word forms

breadwinners plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

After her husband lost his job, she became the family's main _____.

Etymology

A straightforward compound of bread (as in "earning one's bread," i.e. livelihood) and winner ("earner").

Rhymes for breadwinner

inner dinner winner sinner skinner thinner beginner

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Frequently asked questions

What does “breadwinner” mean?

The word “breadwinner” means the person in a family or household who earns most or all of the money. In plain terms, whoever brings in the household income.

How do you pronounce “breadwinner”?

“Breadwinner” is pronounced BREHD-wihn (/ˈbɹɛdˌwɪnɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “breadwinner” in a sentence?

Here is “breadwinner” used in a sentence: “After her husband lost his job, she became the family's main breadwinner.”

What part of speech is “breadwinner”?

“Breadwinner” is a noun.

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