verb

earn

urn

verb

To receive money in return for work done.

"She earns a good salary as a software engineer."

To gain something, such as respect or a reputation, through effort or merit.

"He earned the team's trust after years of reliable work."

How to Use Earn

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo get money, respect, or reward through work or effort.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "win", which usually implies a contest or chance element — you earn a salary through work, but you win a lottery through luck.

Easily confused with

win →

Common pairings

earn a living earn respect earn money

Word Forms

earned past tense, earnt past tense, earned past tense, earned past tense, earn plural, earned plural, earnt plural, earns singular, earn singular, earned singular, earnt singular, earnest singular, earnedst singular, earneth singular, earns singular, earns singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ a good salary as a software engineer.

Etymology

From Old English earnian, ultimately linked to a root meaning "harvest" — earning something was originally tied to reaping a reward.

Rhymes for earn

learn yearn Hearn

See all rhymes for earn →