division of labor

noun phrase

: the breakdown of labor into its components and their distribution among different persons, groups, or machines to increase productive efficiency

Examples of division of labor 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.

Absent this wildly sophisticated division of labor, 747s wouldn’t exist. —

John Tamny, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 There is no cook schedule and no formal division of labor. —

Belle Cushing, Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024 Even in cases where women are now breadwinners, the division of labor at home has barely budged, according to another 2023 Pew Research Center survey. —

Jessica Dickler,ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2024 These relationships tend to involve a lot of negotiating when boundaries become blurred around power dynamics, allocation of resources, and division of labor, particularly if there are children involved. —

Ian Kerner, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for division of labor

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of division of labor was in 1776

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Division of labor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/division%20of%20labor. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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