/ ɜːn; NAmE ɜːrn/ verb
1.
to get money for work that you do :
[ vn ]
He earns about $40 000 a year.
She earned a living as a part-time secretary.
She must earn a fortune (= earn a lot of money) .
[ vnn ]
His victory in the tournament earned him $50 000.
[ v ]
All the children are earning now.
2.
[ vn ] 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.
to get sth that you deserve, usually because of sth good you have done or because of the good qualities you have :
[ vn ]
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.
[ vnn ]
His outstanding ability earned him a place on the team.
•
IDIOMS
- earn a / your crust
- earn your keep
—more at spur noun
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English earnian , of West Germanic origin, from a base shared by Old English esne labourer .