- 1[transitive] to get money for work that you do earn something He earns about $40,000 a year. She earned a living as a part-time bookkeeper. She must earn a fortune (= earn a lot of money). earn somebody something His victory in the tournament earned him $50,000.
- 2[transitive] earn something to get money as profit or interest on money you lend, have in a bank, etc. Your money would earn more in a high-interest account.
- 3[transitive] to get something that you deserve, usually because of something good you have done or because of the good qualities you have earn something He earned a reputation as an expert on tax law. As a teacher, she had earned the respect of her students. I need a rest. I think I've earned it, don't you? She's having a well-earned rest this week. earn somebody something His outstanding ability earned him a place on the team. Idioms
- 1to do useful or helpful things in return for being allowed to live or stay somewhere
- 2to be worth the amount of time or money that is being spent He felt he no longer deserved such a high salary. He just wasn't earning his keep.
verb jump to other results
NAmE//ərn//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they earn he / she / it earns
past simple earned
-ing form earning
used to say that it is important to save money whenever possible
to achieve fame or success
Check pronunciation: earn