laborer

noun

la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
Synonyms of laborernext
: one that labors
specifically : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

Synonyms of laborer

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Examples of laborer in a Sentence

He has been working as a laborer on a construction project. they could only find work as laborers unloading cargo ships
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In theory, that reduces costs dramatically by eliminating the need for a large crew of carpenters and laborers working for a year or more. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 Kiran, dismissively treated, is one of Rohan’s divers, and a vital manual laborer in the cement production chain laying the foundation for India’s modern development. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 After the invention of the internal combustion engine in 1885, the auto industry had comprised skilled laborers producing a few bespoke vehicles—affordable only to an upper stratum of society. — Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026 Activists suspect that Flock’s data has been used to plan immigration raids, which frequently target hardware store parking lots where migrant day-laborers often wait for work. — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laborer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laborer was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing laborer

Browse Nearby Words

labored
laborer
labor exchange
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Cite this Entry

“Laborer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laborer. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

laborer

noun
la·​bor·​er ˈlā-bər-ər How to pronounce laborer (audio)
: one that works
especially : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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