revenue

/ˈrɛv.ən.juː/
income from business or investments

The company's revenue increased by 15% this quarter.

The total money earned by the company from sales went up by 15% this three-month period.


Finance
formal

Total income generated by a business from sales of goods or services before expenses are deducted.

The restaurant's revenue dropped during the pandemic due to lockdowns.

The restaurant earned less money from food sales when customers couldn't visit in person.

Investors analyze revenue growth to assess a company's financial health.

Investors study how much money a company is making from its core operations to judge its stability.

Revenue is often confused with profit; profit subtracts expenses from revenue.

Law
formal

Money received by a government from taxes.

The state's revenue from income taxes will fund education programs.

The money collected by the state through taxes on earnings will pay for school initiatives.

In government contexts, revenue typically refers to tax income.

Collocations

annual revenuetotal income earned in one yearrevenue streama source of incomegross revenuetotal income before deductionsnet revenueincome after deductions

Pro Tip

Avoid confusing revenue with profit

Remember: Revenue is the total money earned; profit is what remains after subtracting costs. A company can have high revenue but low profit if expenses are high.

Gold Rule

Revenue vs. Sales

Revenue includes all income from business activities, while sales typically refer only to income from selling products. Revenue may also include interest, royalties, or other income sources.

Word Origin

From Old French 'revenu' (returned, coming back), past participle of 'revenoir' (to return), from Latin 'revenire' (to come back), from 're-' (back) + 'venire' (to come). Originally referred to income returning to a person or entity.

Usage Notes

Revenue is a top-line figure; profit (net income) is revenue minus expenses. Always specify the time frame (e.g., quarterly revenue) for clarity.

Word Breakdown

re-
back, again
prefix
+
ven-
to come
root
+
-ue
noun suffix indicating action or result
suffix
English Dictionary