workhorse
noun
work·horse
ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs 
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
c
Examples of workhorse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The bulb vegetable is a workhorse used on sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and nachos as well as in sauces, salads, meatloaf, and more.
—
Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
Starship, the most powerful rocket ever launched and many times larger than SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9, is also key for launching heavier Starlink satellites essential to the company’s lucrative mobile broadband goals.
—Reuters, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Wind, solar the ‘workhorses’ Jack Waldorf, WGA executive director, said in an email that advancements in nuclear energy provide the opportunity to expand clean, reliable generation of electricity, but achieving true energy abundance will require a comprehensive approach.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
With Hubbard nursing a calf injury, Dowdle was a certified workhorse in the backfield.
—Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for workhorse
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.
Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
Starship, the most powerful rocket ever launched and many times larger than SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9, is also key for launching heavier Starlink satellites essential to the company’s lucrative mobile broadband goals.
—Reuters, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Wind, solar the ‘workhorses’ Jack Waldorf, WGA executive director, said in an email that advancements in nuclear energy provide the opportunity to expand clean, reliable generation of electricity, but achieving true energy abundance will require a comprehensive approach.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
With Hubbard nursing a calf injury, Dowdle was a certified workhorse in the backfield.
—Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for workhorse
Cite this Entry
“Workhorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workhorse. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
workhorse
noun
work·horse
ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share