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

Examples of employer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, employers burned by labor shortages during the pandemic are still reluctant to lay off workers despite the uncertainty spawned by the import fees. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

With as many as six generations participating in today’s workforce, employers need to avoid leaning too far into the preferences of one generation over another or stereotyping workers by age. —Jim Pauley, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Business leaders are feeling the impact as high housing costs have curbed labor mobility, return-to-office plans and the ability for employers to recruit in places like Silicon Valley. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2025

In a very happy way, there could be opportunities to improve them, like taking on more projects from your employer, moving to a new position or hitting the ground running to tackle health goals. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 27 Apr. 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