workforce

noun

work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
Synonyms of workforcenext
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.
The company would lay off more than 4,000 people, reducing its workforce to under 6,000. Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026 Other workers have supplemental income such as freelance gigs, contract work and fluctuating earnings, which not only adds to the complexity but also makes up one-third of the workforce. Sakinah Tillman, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026 On Thursday, Jack Dorsey, CEO and founder of Block—parent company of Square and Cash App—announced plans to cut more than 4,000 jobs, roughly 40% of the workforce, reducing headcount from over 10,000 to just under 6,000 as part of a sweeping restructuring. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026 High child care costs are a financial strain on families and can prevent parents from entering the workforce, further stretching budgets. Editorial, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for workforce

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of workforce was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Workforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workforce. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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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