noun
Common
wages
WAYD-zhihz
Wages (noun) means the total money someone earns over a given period of work. Example: “He gets his wages paid into his bank account every Friday.”
noun
1
The total money someone earns over a given period of work.
"He gets his wages paid into his bank account every Friday."
"Rising rents have made it hard to live on low wages."
"Her wages barely cover the cost of childcare."
How to use wages
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe plural of "wage" — money earned from a job over time.
Common pairings
weekly wages
earn wages
back wages
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for wages
See all rhymes for wages →Frequently asked questions
What does “wages” mean?
The word “wages” means the total money someone earns over a given period of work. In plain terms, the plural of "wage" — money earned from a job over time.
How do you pronounce “wages”?
“Wages” is pronounced WAYD-zhihz (/ˈweɪd͡ʒɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “wages” in a sentence?
Here is “wages” used in a sentence: “Her wages barely cover the cost of childcare.”
What part of speech is “wages”?
“Wages” is a noun.
Is “wages” a common word?
“Wages” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between wages and salary?
Wages are usually paid by the hour or by output and can change from one pay period to the next. A salary is a fixed annual amount paid in equal, regular instalments regardless of exact hours worked.
Is wages singular or plural?
Wages is normally used in the plural to mean a person's earnings and takes a plural verb, as in the wages are due. The singular wage more often appears in fixed phrases such as minimum wage.
What is the difference between wages and income?
Wages are money earned specifically from work over a period of time. Income is broader and covers wages plus other sources such as interest, rent, pensions, or benefits.
What are common phrases that use wages?
Frequent collocations include minimum wage, living wage, weekly wages, and wage packet. These all relate to money earned in return for work.
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