worker

noun

work·​er ˈwər-kər How to pronounce worker (audio)
1
a
: one that works especially at manual or industrial labor or with a particular material
a factory worker
often used in combination
b
: a member of the working class
2
: any of the sexually underdeveloped and usually sterile members of a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, or termites that perform most of the labor and protective duties of the colony

Examples of worker in a Sentence

The company is planning to hire 200 workers. The average worker earned $1,000 more this year. If management doesn't make the changes, the workers will go on strike. They are both hard workers.
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.
Their team also includes social workers and intervention specialists. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 May 2025 On average, a college graduate earns $32,000 more in a year than a worker with only a high school diploma, according to a new report from Federal Reserve economists. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Local Ocean Rescue workers appeared moments later and began CPR before the San Francisco Fire Department and Fire Paramedics arrived and began administering advanced life support measures. Jillian Frankel, People.com, 10 May 2025 The dorm rooms are lined with lockers and bunk beds, which workers decorate with colorful blankets. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for worker

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worker. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

worker

noun
work·​er ˈwər-kər How to pronounce worker (audio)
1
a
: one that works
b
: a member of the working class
2
: one of the members of a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, or termites that are only partially developed sexually and that perform most of the labor and protective duties of the colony

More from Merriam-Webster on worker

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