/ Dictionary / Index E earn: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: earn Pronunciation: (ûrn), [key] — v.t. to gain or get in return for one's labor or service: to earn one's living. to merit as compensation, as for service; deserve: to receive more than one has earned. to acquire through merit: to earn a reputation for honesty. to gain as due return or profit: Savings accounts earn interest. to bring about or cause deservedly: His fair dealing earned our confidence. —v.i. to gain income: securities that earn on a quarterly basis. earn Pronunciation: (ûrn), [key] — v.i. Obs. to grieve. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: earn (Thesaurus) earmuff earned income Related Content Daily Word Quiz: sequester Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language