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

Their passing game is banged up, as their top receiver, Drake London, remains sidelined, and their offense may end up leaning heavily on Bijan Robinson, their workhorse running back. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

Sorel Winter Carnival Waterproof Boots A true winter workhorse, these Sorel boots are built for slushy commutes, snowy weekend trips, and keeping your feet warm all winter long. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025

There’s the workhorse in the family, and that’s Mark’s Dan character. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 29 Nov. 2025

Celina workhorse Evan Koehne scored on a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs in the opening quarter that left Decatur with a 14-0 deficit. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Nov. 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