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

Fletcher has been Miami’s workhorse at running back this season. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025

Henderson figures to step into a larger role with Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) out for Week 9, but will the Ohio State rookie emerge as a true workhorse? —Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025

But Kareem Hunt, with whom Pacheco has split the load this season, has been a workhorse, especially in short-yardage situations. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025

But in the meantime, how will the Yankees fill out their rotation at the outset of the season, while the two workhorses are still ramping up? —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 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