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
Marigolds are another reliable workhorse — one of the toughest annuals for hot-weather gardens.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
During his first season in Boston, Crochet was a workhorse.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Speaking of gritty, Oklahoma State, led by workhorse in the circle Ruby Meylan, is on quite a hot streak.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Antibody technology has been the workhorse of this approach.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for workhorse
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.
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
During his first season in Boston, Crochet was a workhorse.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Speaking of gritty, Oklahoma State, led by workhorse in the circle Ruby Meylan, is on quite a hot streak.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Antibody technology has been the workhorse of this approach.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Apr. 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 5 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
