laborer

noun

la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər 

: one that labors

specifically : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

Synonyms of laborer

• worker
• slave

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

Our most critical infrastructure was raised over generations — designed and engineered, then constructed by carpenters, masons, laborers, ironworkers, operators, teamsters, pipefitters, welders, and electricians. — Brendan Bechtel, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Two laborers were able to escape after the blast, according to the Associated Press, which cited unnamed officials. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 July 2026

Unfortunately, during the early to mid-twentieth century, negative perceptions of immigrant and ethnic laborers led many outsiders to view their neighborhoods as unsafe, unclean, and detrimental to the social fabric of American cities. — Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

The El Niño effects, in combination with the high fertilizer costs, will likely reduce opportunities for agricultural work while also increasing the amount that food laborers – among the poorest people – have to spend on produce. — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing laborer

• day laborer

Kids Definition

laborer

noun

la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər 

: one that works

especially : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages