salaryman

noun

sal·​a·​ry·​man ˈsa-lə-rē-ˌman How to pronounce salaryman (audio)
ˈsal-rē-
: a Japanese white-collar businessman

Examples of salaryman in a Sentence

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.
An autopsy soon revealed that the salaryman died from cyanide poisoning, CNN reported. Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025 In Otsuki’s collection, elements of the Japanese salaryman mixed with the urbanity of Gere’s Julian Kay create a compelling blend of references that ultimately play to each designer’s strength. Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 The imperial family holds less sway over Japanese society than the average salaryman, who at least can vote in elections. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025 Across a 45-year career in cinema, Yakusho has worked with every major Japanese director of his generation and inhabited over 80 characters, spanning salarymen, samurai, gangsters, cops, seducers and everymen of all stripes. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for salaryman

Word History

Etymology

Japanese sararī-man, from English salary + man

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of salaryman was in 1962

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Cite this Entry

“Salaryman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salaryman. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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