white-collar

adjective

white-col·​lar ˈ(h)wīt-ˈkä-lər How to pronounce white-collar (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting the class of salaried employees whose duties do not call for the wearing of work clothes or protective clothing compare blue-collar

Examples of white-collar 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.
Goldman Sachs economists have already issued a warning that generative AI has the potential to remove or drastically affect up to three hundred million jobs worldwide, with white-collar professionals being the most susceptible. James Barrat, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 There is broad consensus that AI will fundamentally change the nature of work – and that the impact will be greater for white-collar and knowledge-based jobs, rather than manual and manufacturing labor. Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 Advertisement Over the past eight years—thanks to technologies like cloud computing, mobile apps, and faster teleconferencing—productivity in the white-collar economy surged 28%. Jim Farley, Time, 29 Aug. 2025 Those skilled workers existed—certified, experienced, and eager to work—but remained invisible to traditional hiring systems built for white-collar professionals. Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for white-collar

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white-collar was in 1911

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“White-collar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white-collar. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

white-collar

adjective
ˈhwīt-ˈkäl-ər,
ˈwīt-
: of, relating to, or being a member of the class of workers (as clerks and salespersons) whose duties do not require the wearing of work clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on white-collar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!