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

: horse sense 7

Examples of workhorse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The long-sleeve shirt will serve as a workhorse in my cold-weather wardrobe thanks to its snuggly fit and ultra-soft feel. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026

The lightly oversized fit and polished silhouette make this a workhorse in your wardrobe for various occasions. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

The vast majority of the company's flights so far this year — 105 of them, in fact — have been performed by the workhorse Falcon 9. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026

The kitchen is not only the heart of the home but also the workhorse. — Melissa Breyer, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for workhorse

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce

Kids 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