laborer

noun

la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
Synonyms of laborernext
: one that labors
specifically : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

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
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.
Bobby was the son of a laborer and boxer. Jeremy Collins, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025 This is a crucial work of history that revitalizes conversations around workers’ rights and will continue to instill its wisdom and inspiration in new generations of laborers fighting for dignity. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025 Migration control is illusory so long as employers who seek a foreign workforce—whether as guest workers or undocumented laborers—escape the scrutiny that migrants face daily. Time, 4 Dec. 2025 Veryable review Veryable specializes in sending warehouse workers, forklift drivers, pipe-fitters, delivery drivers and other laborers to a wide array of retail, manufacturing and construction companies that need temporary help. Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laborer

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laborer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laborer. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

laborer

noun
la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
: one that works
especially : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

More from Merriam-Webster on laborer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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