Meaning of earn

earn

Pronunciation: (ûrn), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to gain or get in return for one's labor or service: to earn one's living.
  2. to merit as compensation, as for service; deserve: to receive more than one has earned.
  3. to acquire through merit: to earn a reputation for honesty.
  4. to gain as due return or profit: Savings accounts earn interest.
  5. to bring about or cause deservedly: His fair dealing earned our confidence.
—v.i.
  1. to gain income: securities that earn on a quarterly basis.

earn

Pronunciation: (ûrn), [key]
— v.i. Obs.
  1. to grieve.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
earmuff earned income