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

So, launches of the workhorse Falcon 9, which has already flown 75 times in 2025, should not be affected. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 20 June 2025

Best Daily Trainer: Nike Vomero 18 Nike Vomero 18 Need a workhorse of a shoe that works well for pretty much any kind of run? —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 9 June 2025

The workhorse dynamic of these people is so important to me. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 June 2025

But the extinction of the workhorse starter is a frequent topic in the game, and one Verlander is particularly passionate about. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025

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