the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time
"The company's annual report showed that their total income had increased by fifteen percent compared to last year."
Money one earns by working or by capitalising on the work of others.
"After paying off his student loans, he used his steady income to finally buy a house for his family."
In plain English: Income is the money you get from working, investments, or other sources before you spend it on things.
"The family's income increased after he got a new job."
Usage: Income refers to the money you receive from your job, investments, or other sources before any taxes are taken out. It represents the total earnings available to you during a specific period rather than what you actually keep after expenses.
The word income comes from Middle English and is related to the Old English phrase meaning "an in-coming" or entrance. It entered modern usage through this historical connection, evolving into a term for earnings rather than just physical arrival.