English Reference
noun

proceeds

n.
US /pɹəˈsidz/ pro·ceeds

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    the total amount of money you receive from selling something or holding a special event.

    the total amount of money generated from a specific transaction, sale, or fundraising activity. Plural-only; often used with the preposition 'of'.

    Simple

    All the proceeds from the bake sale will go to the local animal shelter.

    In context

    The net proceeds of the property sale were distributed among the heirs after all legal fees and outstanding debts had been settled.

    Usage

    Always used in the plural form 'proceeds' when referring to money.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often confuse this with 'profit'. While 'proceeds' can mean profit, it usually refers to the total amount of money collected before expenses are taken out.

    Pitfall
    The proceed from the auction was high. The proceeds from the auction were high.

    In this sense, the word is always plural and takes a plural verb.

Participants are able to sell their work online with 50% of the proceeds going to the artist.

BBC News· 4 Aug 2026

And the folder contains a sheaf of paper that the man proceeds to read.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated