laborer
noun
la·bor·er
ˈlā-bər-ər 
: one that labors
specifically
: a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
Synonyms
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
Current workers say their jobs are at risk of being replaced by contract laborers, their union has not been recognized, and retaliation is still possible.
—
Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2023
The federal law was created in 1931 and requires the payment of prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics on federal or federally assisted construction contracts.
—Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2023
Rudolf was my grandfather, a classics professor who led enormous archeological digs, involving hundreds of laborers, on the island of Kos.
—Werner Herzog, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Kishida reciprocated with a visit to Seoul in May and expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced laborers during Japan's colonial rule.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2023
Kishida reciprocated with a visit to Seoul in May and expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced laborers during Japan’s colonial rule,
The effort to sustain the trilateral relationship won’t be without challenges.
—Aamer Madhani and Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2023
Delegations included project managers and engineers, along with students and manual laborers.
—Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023
The lack of construction workers, skilled laborers and even architects and engineers is a problem across the economy, including nationally.
—Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2023
Originally meant for workers and laborers, this tough and durable piece was designed to protect the layers worn underneath it.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2023
See More
Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2023
The federal law was created in 1931 and requires the payment of prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics on federal or federally assisted construction contracts.
—Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2023
Rudolf was my grandfather, a classics professor who led enormous archeological digs, involving hundreds of laborers, on the island of Kos.
—Werner Herzog, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Kishida reciprocated with a visit to Seoul in May and expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced laborers during Japan's colonial rule.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2023
Kishida reciprocated with a visit to Seoul in May and expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced laborers during Japan’s colonial rule,
The effort to sustain the trilateral relationship won’t be without challenges.
—Aamer Madhani and Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2023
Delegations included project managers and engineers, along with students and manual laborers.
—Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023
The lack of construction workers, skilled laborers and even architects and engineers is a problem across the economy, including nationally.
—Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2023
Originally meant for workers and laborers, this tough and durable piece was designed to protect the layers worn underneath it.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laborer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Phrases Containing laborer
Dictionary Entries Near laborer
Cite this Entry
“Laborer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laborer. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
laborer
noun
la·bor·er
ˈlā-bər-ər
: one that works
especially
: a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
More from Merriam-Webster on laborer
Nglish: Translation of laborer for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of laborer for Arabic Speakers
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