piecework

1 of 2

noun (1)

piece·​work ˈpēs-ˌwərk How to pronounce piecework (audio)
: work done by the piece and paid for at a set rate per unit
pieceworker noun

pieceworker

2 of 2

noun (2)

piece·​work·​er "ə(r) How to pronounce pieceworker (audio)
: a worker engaged on piecework

Examples of piecework in a Sentence

Noun (1) doing piecework in a factory
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.
Noun
Digital labour platforms tend to use self-employment contracts and piecework systems, which result in insecurity, exploitation, and wage theft. Literary Hub, 28 May 2026 Around this time, a society of compositors also negotiated a piecework scale of wages in London, England, in 1785. Errol Salamon, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Mar. 2026 The overall feeling is quite chic and allowed the leather piecework, a combination of smooth and perforated, to really stand out. Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Yet over-the-road truckers earning by the mile or others on piecework won’t benefit a cent. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecework

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

piecework + -er

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1549, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of piecework was in 1549

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Piecework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piecework. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

piecework

noun
piece·​work ˈpē-ˌswərk How to pronounce piecework (audio)
: work paid for at a rate based on the number of articles produced rather than the time spent working
pieceworker noun

Legal Definition

piecework

noun
piece·​work ˈpēs-ˌwərk How to pronounce piecework (audio)
: work done by the piece and paid for at a set rate per unit
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