v.
- obtain (money) in return for labour or services.
▸(of capital invested) gain (money) as interest or profit.
▸
(earn something out)
(of an author, book, recording artist, etc.) generate sufficient income through sales to equal the amount paid in an advance or royalty.
- gain (something) as the reward for hard work or merit.
Etymology
OE earnian, of W. Gmc origin.