laborer

noun

la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
: one that labors
specifically : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

Examples of laborer in a Sentence

He has been working as a laborer on a construction project. they could only find work as laborers unloading cargo ships
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.
Brahmins, who were traditionally priests, sit at the top, followed by warriors, merchants, and laborers – each further divided into thousands of subcategories. Sushmita Pathak, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Mar. 2025 The minimum wage standards required of firms receiving CHIPS funding, for example, could have been applied to all categories of workers, not just to laborers and mechanics. Mariana Mazzucato, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 The Lebanese mourners included families — some carrying young children on their shoulders, laborers who had taken the day off work, and others from all segments of society. Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 Feb. 2025 Those who came to Ingersoll to establish a new life for themselves pursued jobs as laborers, barbers and waiters, among other professions. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laborer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laborer was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laborer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laborer. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

laborer

noun
la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
: one that works
especially : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

More from Merriam-Webster on laborer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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