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

Trapping opposites in one cage In their study, the researchers focused on a tool called a Paul trap, a workhorse of modern physics. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026

Flats Flats are a travel wardrobe workhorse that never gets enough credit. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

But like the handsome, burgundy Chevy that actually pulls up onstage (one curious anachronism among several), Lane doesn’t have the air of a beat-up workhorse. —Naveen Kumar, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026

Beneath that somewhat elegant facade, Mitan is a serious workhorse. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 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
• racecourse
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse

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