I. ˈərn transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English ernen, from Old English earnian; akin to Old High German arnōn to reap, Czech jeseň autumn
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services rendered
b. : to bring in by way of return
bonds earn ing 10 percent interest
2.
a. : to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to
she earn ed a promotion
b. : to make worthy of or obtain for
the suggestion earn ed him a promotion
• earn·er noun
II. intransitive verb
Etymology: probably alteration of yearn
Date: 1599
obsolete : grieve