workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
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

Examples of workhorse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Emirates is the largest user of the 777 jet family, a long-distance workhorse whose original success has been clouded by delays to its successor and the crisis engulfing Boeing’s smaller 737 cash cow over safety and quality issues. Reuters, NBC News, 15 Oct. 2024 In the kitchen, the lemon—and its juice—is a workhorse. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024 So the notion that Marks was pigeonholed as a pass catcher or seen as anything less than a three-down workhorse didn’t sit well with Myles. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024 The popular 737, the workhorse of most airlines, is based on a 60-year old design. Peter Green, Quartz, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for workhorse 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'workhorse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of workhorse was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near workhorse

Cite this Entry

“Workhorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workhorse. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

workhorse

noun
work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on workhorse

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