'breadwinner' originates from the English words 'bread' and 'winner', where 'bread' historically referred to food or sustenance, and 'winner' meant someone who achieves or gains something.

'breadwinner' evolved from the concept of winning or earning one's daily bread, a phrase that dates back to the 19th century.

Initially, it meant 'one who earns bread or sustenance', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who earns money to support a family'.