day laborer

noun

: one who works for daily wages especially as an unskilled laborer

Examples of day laborer in a Sentence

They hire day laborers to pick the apples.
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.
If the Trump administration wants to go after nonviolent and even noncriminal day laborers and nannies, why should New York be assisting in the effort? New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025 His agents are arresting dishwashers, gardeners, day laborers and seamstresses – That’s just weakness. Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 These are garment workers, cooks, day laborers, and parents—people who came to build better lives, not tear anything down. Pat Wright, Oc Register, 10 June 2025 The arrests outside Home Depot targeted day laborers hired by the chain’s customers, including homeowners and contractors who rely on undocumented workers for home repair and construction jobs. Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for day laborer

Word History

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of day laborer was in 1528

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Cite this Entry

“Day laborer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/day%20laborer. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

day laborer

noun
: one who works by the day or for daily wages especially as an unskilled laborer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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