workforce

noun

work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
1
: the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise
the factory's workforce
2
: the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose
the nation's workforce

Examples of workforce in a Sentence

We have a workforce of 2,400 people. the office's entire workforce is devoted to a single project right now
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.
This reality is particularly concerning given that, according to the WEF’s report, women make up nearly half of the global workforce, yet hold less than a third of senior leadership roles. Liz Elting, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Tweak to child care reimbursement could open up more seats for children HB 2294 allows local workforce development boards to provide higher reimbursement rates to child care providers who enroll children with scholarships. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025 San Diego’s federal workforce seems to be only mildly affected by large cuts by the Trump administration. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 At the same time, Wynwood Norte is seeing some of the fruits of the rezoning in the form of several low-scale, neighborhood-friendly workforce apartment buildings that are now under construction, said Miami attorney Steven Wernick, who helped steer that plan to approval. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for workforce

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of workforce was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Workforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workforce. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

workforce

noun
work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfō(ə)rs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
-ˌfȯ(ə)rs
: the workers of a specific activity or business
the factory's workforce

More from Merriam-Webster on workforce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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