employer

noun

em·​ploy·​er im-ˈplȯi-ər 

em-

plural employers

: one that employs or makes use of something or somebody

… it is one of the most aggressive employers of the dreaded pop-up ads that effloresce across one's video screen like a sudden and unpleasant rash …

—Christopher Orr

especially : a person or company that provides a job paying wages or a salary to one or more people

Private household workers usually work in pleasant and comfortable homes or apartments. Most are dayworkers who live in their own homes and travel to work. Some live in the home of their employer, generally with their own room and bath.

—Occupational Outlook Handbook

One of Hiroshima's main contributions to the post-war economic miracle of Japan is the Mazda car plant, the single largest employer in Hiroshima.

—Michael Dillon

… choose a classic health-insurance plan—if your employer still makes one available.

—Laura Johannes

Outside of the public sector and unionized shops, salaries in North America have long been considered a private matter between employer and employee.

—Amanda Stephenson

Examples of employer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The following morning, while still on the work trip, Gable reported the incident to the two staffers who were traveling with them, who told her to submit a formal complaint to the city of Montgomery, their employer, in writing as well as to the local police. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

If tipped workers' wages and tips do not add up to the full minimum wage, employers must make up the difference. —Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Accessible, affordable childcare alleviates poverty, prevents homelessness, improves employer productivity and retention, increases the tax base, supports small businesses and keeps young families in our communities. —Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026

That's how most working age Americans get healthcare in this country through their employer. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

employ entry 1 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing employer

• equal opportunities employer
• equal opportunity employer

Rhymes for employer

• destroyer
• foyer
• oyer
• multiemployer

Kids Definition

employer

noun

em·​ploy·​er

im-ˈplȯi(-ə)r

: one that employs others

Legal Definition

employer

noun

em·​ploy·​er

: one that hires others to perform a service or engage in an activity in exchange for compensation see also respondeat superior