workhorse

noun

work·horse | \ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs

Definition of workhorse

1 : a horse used chiefly for labor as distinguished from driving, riding, or racing

2a(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

Introduced during the heyday of the workhorse running back, PPR set out to even the playing field for wide receivers by awarding them with points for performing their position’s fundamental act: catching the football. — Michael Beller, SI.com, "Fantasy Football Players Who are More Valuable in PPR Leagues," 12 July 2018 Lohse was also a workhorse during his years with the Twins and Cardinals. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Former Brewers pitcher Kyle Lohse indicates he's retiring," 10 May 2018 Rachel was a workhorse during the event, from making sure my Clementine Bakery Cake came out on time for the Happy Birthday sing-along, to reminding each and every guest to take their swag bag. — Mariah Smith, The Cut, "My Sponsored Birthday Party Made Me Rethink My Dream of Being an Influencer," 10 May 2018 Depth chart: Dietrich, Shuck, Lee, *Austin Dean Rotation Dan Straily was the staff workhorse, making 33 starts and leading the team in innings and strikeouts. — Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, "Marlins offseason report: New owners dumping payroll," 8 Jan. 2018 Now a 6-foot-5, 210-pound wing, Ray originally made his mark as a workhorse forward who was relentless on the glass, piling up double-doubles even early in his high school career. — Josh Verlin, Philly.com, "Recruiting: Winning means more college offers for Haverford School's Christian Ray," 3 July 2018 With the popularity of full-size utilities riding high, the new-and-improved Enclave is poised to maintain its status as a premium workhorse with a concierge-like ability to look after its owners and their guests. — Malcolm Gunn, courant.com, "2018 Buick Enclave," 17 May 2018 The Sixers have been with and without Joel Embiid and leaned on Simmons as the nightly workhorse, and Simmons has been up for it. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "The Crossover's 2017-18 NBA Midseason Awards," 19 Jan. 2018 The delays on Airbus’s hottest selling model — a workhorse for airlines worldwide — threaten to expose the planemaker and Pratt to late penalties from frustrated customers. — Benjamin Katz, The Seattle Times, "Airbus will miss its A320neo delivery goal after engine problems," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'workhorse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.