employee

noun

em·​ploy·​ee im-ˌplȯ(i)-ˈē 

(ˌ)em-;

im-ˈplȯ(i)-ˌē 

em-

variants or less commonly employe

: one employed by another usually for wages or salary and in a position below the executive level

Synonyms of employee

• worker

Examples of employee in a Sentence

A good boss listens to his employees.

The company has more than 2,000 employees worldwide.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, the non-profit operates with around 40 full-time employees, 60 partner organizations and 130 corner stores with a Kanbe’s Market inside. — Zuri Primos july 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

There are also autism-friendly initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly films and toys, dietary menu options, and autism-friendly training for Camp at Sea employees. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

And going cashless during and after the pandemic prevented making hand contact with employees. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026

There have been several legal efforts for college athletes to gain recognition as employees and potentially unionize. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

employ entry 1 + -ee entry 1, perhaps after French employé

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

employee

noun

em·​ploy·​ee im-ˌplȯi-ˈē  (ˌ)em- 

im-ˈplȯi-ˌē, 

em-

: one who works for another for wages or a salary

Legal Definition

employee

noun

em·​ploy·​ee

variants also employe

: a person usually below the executive level who is hired by another to perform a service especially for wages or salary and is under the other's control see also respondeat superior compare independent contractor

Note: In determining whether an individual is an employee, courts look at several factors, including the nature of the compensation paid, provision for employee benefits, whether the hired party is in business, tax treatment of the hired party, source of the equipment used, and location of the work. Statutes, such as workers' compensation acts and labor laws, usually include a definition of employee as it is used in the statute.