workhorse
noun
work·horse
ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs 
1
: a horse used chiefly for labor as distinguished from driving, riding, or racing
2
a(1)
: a person who performs most of the work of a group task
(2)
: a hardworking person
b
: something that is markedly useful, durable, or dependable
c
Examples of workhorse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet provider, has launched about 11,000 Starlink broadband satellites into space since 2019, using its workhorse Falcon 9.
—
Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Framber Valdez was the top starter on the market, a dependable workhorse who just got $115 million.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The texture-smoothing formula also includes cupuaçu butter—another moisture-locking workhorse—as well as caffeine, which helps boost collagen production, reduces puffiness, and protects skin from environmental damage.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Caslon Cotton and Modal T-shirt A plain white tee is the quiet workhorse of any travel wardrobe, and this Caslon cotton and modal T-shirt earns its spot.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for workhorse
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Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Framber Valdez was the top starter on the market, a dependable workhorse who just got $115 million.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The texture-smoothing formula also includes cupuaçu butter—another moisture-locking workhorse—as well as caffeine, which helps boost collagen production, reduces puffiness, and protects skin from environmental damage.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Caslon Cotton and Modal T-shirt A plain white tee is the quiet workhorse of any travel wardrobe, and this Caslon cotton and modal T-shirt earns its spot.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for workhorse
Cite this Entry
“Workhorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workhorse. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
workhorse
noun
work·horse
ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs
1
: a horse used for hard work (as on a farm)
2
a
: a person who does most of the work of a group task
b
: something that is useful, durable, or dependable
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