noun
breadwinner
BREHD-wihn
noun
1
The person in a family or household who earns most or all of the money.
"After her husband lost his job, she became the family's main breadwinner."
How to Use Breadwinner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhoever brings in the household income.
Common pairings
sole breadwinner
main breadwinner
family breadwinner
Word Forms
breadwinners plural
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After her husband lost his job, she became the family's main _____.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of bread (as in "earning one's bread," i.e. livelihood) and winner ("earner").