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

Made of Italian leather and available in five colors — including a springy pistachio green — this durable bag is a true workhorse. —Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026

That little workhorse also matched Nitecore's flow rate claims with the same 200-L/min estimate. —New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026

Casseroles are the workhorse of the Southern kitchen. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

But even this workhorse has limits. —Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 17 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