workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs 

1

: a horse used chiefly for labor as distinguished from driving, riding, or racing

2

a(1)

: a person who performs most of the work of a group task

(2)

: a hardworking person

b

: something that is markedly useful, durable, or dependable

c

: horse sense 7

Examples of workhorse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jeanty is a workhorse of a back who has rushed for 2,288 yards and has accounted for 28 total touchdowns this season. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

This coffee maker from Ninja is a workhorse that has 13 different brew sizes and four brew modes, including classic, rich, over ice, and specialty. —Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

AHAs and BHAs are marvelous, workhorse ingredients with a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to controlling sebum, fading hyperpigmentation, and helping smooth out textural issues. —Rio Viera-Newton, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024

Joe Mixon was a workhorse on the ground for the second straight week, but Collins’ absence was clearly felt by Houston in this one. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs 

1

: a horse used for hard work (as on a farm)

2

a

: a person who does most of the work of a group task

b

: something that is useful, durable, or dependable