breadwinner

[ bred-win-er ]

/ ˈbrɛdˌwɪn ər /

a person who earns a livelihood, especially one who also supports dependents.

Origin of breadwinner

First recorded in 1810–20; bread + winner

bread·win·ning, noun, adjective

Ludwig was now ten years old, and in the winter of 1781 he made his first essay at bread-winning for the family.

Story-Lives of Great Musicians |Francis Jameson Rowbotham
Children go to school to get knowledge enough for bread-winning and no more.

The Story of Chautauqua |Jesse Lyman Hurlbut
Unfortunately, these imaginings can never be freed from the practical bearing of the bread-winning and money-making interests.

Village Improvements and Farm Villages |George E. Waring
To those engaged in bread-winning employments these opportunities will be few.

The Teacher |George Herbert Palmer

She had come to Nîmes because she was a worker, because this town contained special material necessary to her bread-winning.

Swirling Waters |Max Rittenberg

breadwinner

/ (ˈbrɛdˌwɪnə) /

a person supporting a family with his or her earnings

breadwinning, noun, adjective