C1nounsocietymoney
US/ˈbred.wɪn.ər/
UK/ˈbred.wɪn.ə/
the person in a family who earns the money that the family lives on
In context
For years the father was the only breadwinner in the family.
Today both partners are often breadwinners, so housework is shared more fairly.
She became the main breadwinner when her husband lost his job.
Words that go with breadwinner
adjective + noun
- main breadwinnerMen were once seen as the main breadwinner.
- sole breadwinnerAs the sole breadwinner, he could not afford to quit.
- primary breadwinnerWomen are now the primary breadwinner in many homes.
noun + noun
- family breadwinnerThe family breadwinner often works long hours.
verb + noun
- become a breadwinnerYoung people must become a breadwinner sooner than before.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is breadwinner of the family.Correct: He is the breadwinner of the family.