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

Ultimately, SpaceX wants to use Starship as its mainstay rocket, replacing the company’s current workhorse, Falcon 9. — Lee Billings & Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 16 July 2026

The versatile workhorse is ideal for a variety of cooking needs, like braising short ribs, simmering soups, roasting whole chickens, and slow-cooking lentils. — Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

With their slip-on style and minimalist design, these sandals are about to be your summer wardrobe workhorse. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026

That's why this $89 discount on a workhorse HP is worth noting. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 July 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
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce

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