What does moneymaking mean?
Moneymaking means the activity of earning money, especially by running a business, investing, or selling a product or service. The word often carries a broader implication than simply receiving income: it suggests creating a financial return, normally a profit, and may be used in contexts where commercial success is being emphasized. It is common in phrases such as “moneymaking business” and “moneymaking venture,” and it can be used figuratively for any reliable source of revenue. The term is generally neutral in register, though it can sound slightly informal when used to describe an unusually profitable opportunity. Both American and British English use the word, with moneymaking commonly written as one word and money-making appearing as a hyphenated alternative, particularly before another noun.
nounThe activity of earning money, especially through a business, investment, or commercial venture. It often implies generating profit rather than simply covering expenses.
- The activity of earning money or generating profit.
"The company became a successful moneymaking venture after expanding into international markets."
"Tourism is an important moneymaking industry for the island."
"They were looking for a moneymaking opportunity rather than a hobby."
Rare; the usual form is uncountable.
"The fair was among the most successful moneymakings of the season."
Moneymaking is where ambition meets bookkeeping: the goal is not merely to bring in money, but to make a profit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moneymaking come from?
Moneymaking combines money, from Old French monnie and ultimately Latin moneta, with the present participle making, from the Old English macan. The compound is used in English for commercial activity undertaken to generate profit. Its second element reflects the longer English history of money and monetary value, which also underlies words such as monetary and monetize.
How moneymaking is actually used
The word is neutral in tone but can suggest a primary focus on profit. It is especially common in business, economics, and journalism; as an attributive modifier, it is often written as one word.
Easily confused with moneymaking
The two forms have the same meaning; moneymaking is generally written as one word when it functions as an adjective or noun, while money-making is often hyphenated when it modifies another noun.