laborer

noun

la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
Synonyms of laborernext
: one that labors
specifically : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

Examples of laborer in a Sentence

He has been working as a laborer on a construction project. they could only find work as laborers unloading cargo ships
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.
Patrons and laborers at one Walmart in Van Nuys, California, faced multiple raids in the same day with people tackled and dragged away from ICE agents. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026 For low-wage workers, contractor laborers, and families split across multiple jobs, a clinic visit can resemble a luxury rather than a basic necessity. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026 The scheme transformed the following year into one that produced and marketed several million bottles of counterfeit drink that was mixed under unsanitary conditions by day laborers, prosecutors said. Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026 Wearing neon vests, work boots and sunglasses, the laborers assembled outside the nondescript building in Maxwell, a small town in Northern California’s Colusa County about 10 miles east of the valley where construction will begin on Sites Reservoir, which is estimated to cost more than $6 billion. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laborer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laborer was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laborer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laborer. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

laborer

noun
la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
: one that works
especially : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

More from Merriam-Webster on laborer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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