labored

adjective

la·​bored ˈlā-bərd How to pronounce labored (audio)
: produced or performed with labor
labored breathing
also : lacking ease of expression
a labored speech

Examples of labored in a Sentence

The patient's symptoms included a rapid pulse and labored breathing. The movie's dialogue seems very labored.
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.
No one spoke during the call and dispatchers could only hear labored breathing, according to the arrest affidavit. Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024 Six days earlier, Beacon was admitted to an emergency pet hospital with symptoms that included stiffness, labored breathing and a fever. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024 Over time my wife and I developed low-level headaches and labored breathing. Sunset Magazine, 13 Aug. 2024 Her labored breathing was evident, as was her passionate commitment to this work. Laura Captari, The Conversation, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for labored 

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of labored was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near labored

Cite this Entry

“Labored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labored. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

labored

adjective
la·​bored
ˈlā-bərd
: produced or done with labor
labored breathing

Medical Definition

labored

adjective
la·​bored ˈlā-bərd How to pronounce labored (audio)
: produced or performed with difficulty or strain
labored breathing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!