employer

noun

em·​ploy·​er im-ˈplȯi-ər 

em-

plural employers

: one that employs or makes use of something or somebody

… it is one of the most aggressive employers of the dreaded pop-up ads that effloresce across one's video screen like a sudden and unpleasant rash …

—Christopher Orr

especially : a person or company that provides a job paying wages or a salary to one or more people

Private household workers usually work in pleasant and comfortable homes or apartments. Most are dayworkers who live in their own homes and travel to work. Some live in the home of their employer, generally with their own room and bath.

—Occupational Outlook Handbook

One of Hiroshima's main contributions to the post-war economic miracle of Japan is the Mazda car plant, the single largest employer in Hiroshima.

—Michael Dillon

… choose a classic health-insurance plan—if your employer still makes one available.

—Laura Johannes

Outside of the public sector and unionized shops, salaries in North America have long been considered a private matter between employer and employee.

—Amanda Stephenson

Examples of employer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though the change doesn't directly affect the pocketbooks of most working-age Americans who get health insurance through their employers, the uncertainty and concerns about affordability will likely prompt some cost-conscious and healthier consumers to drop ACA coverage, experts said. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Based on a survey of over 1,700 US employers, 59% of employers will make cost-cutting changes to their plans in 2026. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 10 Nov. 2025

The fund is now secured, Vincent said, as per the new contract, the employer contribution rate, which is currently $150, will increase at a rate of $25 a year for the next three years. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025

What Happens Next The Department of Labor has not provided specifics on the 175 open investigations, but told Fox Digital these had already revealed that some H-1B holders were being paid less than advertised in job listings, and that some employers had failed to adequately report terminations. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

employ entry 1 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing employer

• equal opportunities employer
• equal opportunity employer

Rhymes for employer

• destroyer
• foyer
• oyer
• multiemployer

Kids Definition

employer

noun

em·​ploy·​er

im-ˈplȯi(-ə)r

: one that employs others

Legal Definition

employer

noun

em·​ploy·​er

: one that hires others to perform a service or engage in an activity in exchange for compensation see also respondeat superior