breadwinner

Meaning

A 'breadwinner' is the member of a family who earns the money that supports the others. It is typically used to describe the primary or sole income earner in a household. The term is neutral but carries a strong sense of responsibility.

Examples

• Since his wife went back to school, he has been the sole breadwinner for their family of four.

  Since his wife went back to school, he has been the sole breadwinner for their family of four.

• In many modern households, both partners share the role of breadwinner.

  In many modern households, both partners share the role of breadwinner.

• She felt a lot of pressure being the primary breadwinner while trying to raise two young children.

  She felt a lot of pressure being the primary breadwinner while trying to raise two young children.

• My dad was the breadwinner, but my mom managed all the household finances.

  My dad was the breadwinner, but my mom managed all the household finances.

• When the main breadwinner lost their job, they had to rely on their savings.

  When the main breadwinner lost their job, they had to rely on their savings.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is the bread winner of the house.

  ✓ He is the breadwinner for the family.

  We usually say someone is the breadwinner 'for' a family or household, rather than 'of' the physical house. Also, 'breadwinner' is written as a single word.

• ✗ She wins the bread for her children.

  ✓ She is the breadwinner for her children.

  'Win the bread' is not an English idiom. The noun is 'breadwinner', and the related verb idiom is 'bring home the bacon'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After her husband retired, Sarah became the sole ___ for the family.

  💡 The person who earns the money to support the household.

  Show answer

  breadwinner

• It can be stressful to be the primary ___ when living expenses are so high.

  💡 The main income earner.

  Show answer

  breadwinner