NOTE to parents, teachers, and educators of every kind: Use this definition as a simple, kid-friendly teaching tool. Click this link to view the full index of current money terms and definitions, and learn how to use the Sammy Rabbit dictionary to support teaching and learning.
Word and Category
Word: Earn
Related Definition: Work + Job
Category: Habit Word
What this category means: Habit words describe actions we practice regularly. These words help children understand that money is something you earn through effort, work, or helping others—not something that simply appears.
Definitions
In Simple Words
To earn means to get money by doing work or helping others.
You earn money by giving your time, effort, or skills.
A Little More Grown-Up
Earning is receiving money in exchange for work, services, or value you provide to others. Or, earning money means you do something useful or helpful to receive money.
Earned means you got money or a reward because you did work or helped someone.
Earnings are the money you get from the work or jobs you do.
Context Clues
Use the sentences below or create your own to add context to the featured word.
Context helps kids (and adults) understand what a word means by showing how it is used in real situations, not just what it means on its own. The words, pictures, and actions around a new word give clues that make its meaning clearer, easier to remember, and easier to use correctly later.
You can also explore Sammy Rabbit stories, songs, and activities to see and hear the word used in fun, meaningful ways that bring even more context to learning
Note: You can find the words "earn" and "earning" in the Sammy Rabbit money song: Lemonade Stand!
Sammy Says Sentences
Sammy Says: “Earning money is fun to do. Be an earner!”
Silly Sentence
I earned my money by cleaning my room so well that even my socks gave me a high five.
Serious Sentence
You earn money when you work, help others, or complete a job.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
I earned some cash by doing my task—now my piggy bank says, “Nice work, pal!”
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
When I earn my money the honest way, I learn responsibility every day.
Money Habit Sentences and Connection
Money Habit Sentences:
Saving a part of the all money you earn is a great habit! It’s a smart habit to earn money and think carefully about how you use it.
Share with kids:
Earning money is a great habit. It builds self-esteem and helps them learn effort, responsibility, and the true value of money they save, spend, give, or invest.
Examples of Earning
Doing chores and receiving allowance
Helping someone with a task
Babysitting or pet sitting
Running a small business like a lemonade stand
Examples of What Is Not Earning
Taking money without permission
Expecting money without doing anything
Losing money or finding money
Related Money Words
Money • Job • Income • Work • Save • Spend
Opposite Money Words
Free • Gift
Questions for Kids
Ask your child or student: “What are some ways you can earn money by helping others?”
Remember
When you earn money, you build skills, confidence, and respect for the value of your work.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
Want a FREE printable PDF of the complete Sammy Rabbit Kid-Friendly Money Dictionary? Contact us to learn how to get a copy for your home, classroom, or community.
Related Standards Aligned Lesson Plans
Keep Kids and Families Learning
Kids, families, and schools of every kind can enroll in Sammy Rabbit’s Money School with a FREE, PREMIUM or Group Discount Money School Memberships, giving learners access to engaging, age-appropriate financial education resources.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are invited to explore the resources and teaching tips available on SammyRabbit.com, starting with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids!
Schools, community organizations, employers, and partners can learn more about Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum, a flexible, standards-aligned approach designed to help children build strong money habits, confidence, and lifelong skills.
Contact Sammy Today!
We welcome your questions, suggestions, and ideas! Let’s connect, brainstorm, and partner to keep helping kids, families, and communities build strong financial literacy knowledge, habits, and skills—so together, we can create better and brighter futures for all.
CONNECT NOW
