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

: horse sense 7

Examples of workhorse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this season, Kelly has been a workhorse, starting 22 games for an ERA of 3.33 in 128 2/3 innings. —Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025

In his third season of professional baseball, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-hander is a workhorse for the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025

An area rug is a home decor workhorse that pulls together a room’s design, protects floors, and adds a soft and cozy vibe to any space. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 29 July 2025

In other words, this whiskey is a versatile workhorse that is also delicate and complex enough to save for sipping. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for workhorse

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racecourse
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse

Kids 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