workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
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

Examples of workhorse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Their three high-leverage workhorses in the playoffs were Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Luke Weaver. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Project Overview Working Time: 0 minute Total Time: 10 minutes Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $5-10 Canvas tote bags are workhorses. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024 The Air Force needs to clean up its act on buying spare parts for its workhorse C-17, the Pentagon inspector general announced Tuesday, blasting the service for spending 80 times the commercial rate for soap dispensers. Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Commonly used in pickups, that type of basic structure is associated with workhorse capability and off-roading. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for workhorse 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of workhorse was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near workhorse

Cite this Entry

“Workhorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workhorse. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

workhorse

noun
work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on workhorse

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