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

Medela has been a top name in breast pumps for decades, and this workhorse pump is a great example why. —Simone Scully, Parents, 16 Apr. 2024

Hallmark presided over a staggering period of growth for Bentley, turning the company around from a massive €288 million ($312 million) operating loss in 2018 when he was appointed CEO to peak earnings of €708 million two years ago on the back of surging demand for its workhorse, the Bentayga SUV. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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