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

Sela was the workhorse on the ground for the Texans with 115 yards on 25 carries. —Pat Wheeler, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025

Cam Skattebo is a workhorse with Tyrone Tracy sidelined, and RJ Harvey broke out Monday night. —Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

Daniel Jones has been accurate and efficient, and Jonathan Taylor continues to be a workhorse in the backfield, breaking through tackles and keeping defenses honest. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

Anrabess 2-piece Linen Jumpsuit Everyone knows that a two-piece set is the truest workhorse in any travel wardrobe. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 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