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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishWhoever brings in the household income.
Common pairings
sole breadwinner
main breadwinner
family breadwinner
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Word forms
- Plural
- breadwinners
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
See all rhymes for breadwinner →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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