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

Storyscope, Peripheria, Black Mic Mac Set in 1980s South Africa, Mokgata’s third feature is told from the perspective of a 10-year-old girl, an orphaned laborer trapped in the unforgiving world of farm life who uses her imagination to escape. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, $12 million will go to a fund supporting out-of-work entertainment industry laborers. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026

Without fiefdoms structuring the distribution of land, the division of labor, and the provision of military protection, agents of state coercion were needed to ensure that former serfs would serve as wage laborers. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Like most aggies, Coover’s self-conception is more small-business owner than laborer. — Kyle Paoletta, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 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