white-collar

adjective

white-col·​lar ˈ(h)wīt-ˈkä-lər How to pronounce white-collar (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting the class of salaried employees whose duties do not call for the wearing of work clothes or protective clothing compare blue-collar

Examples of white-collar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Layoffs and the disruption from generative AI tools happening in white-collar industries like finance and tech are also sending young professionals looking for new career paths. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 The San Diego Municipal Employees Association, the city of San Diego’s white-collar union, is behind her along with Laborers International Local 89 (LIUNA Local 89). Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 This hit to white-collar jobs could especially impact federal employees looking for work, as around 92% of federal workers hold such roles, according to the Pew Research Center. Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025 One of the reasons that young people have been steered away from the skilled trades is the perception that these careers are somehow a lesser option than white-collar work. Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for white-collar

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white-collar was in 1911

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Cite this Entry

“White-collar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white-collar. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

white-collar

adjective
ˈhwīt-ˈkäl-ər,
ˈwīt-
: of, relating to, or being a member of the class of workers (as clerks and salespersons) whose duties do not require the wearing of work clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on white-collar

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