workforce

noun

work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
Synonyms of workforce
1
: the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise
the factory's workforce
2
: the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose
the nation's workforce

Synonyms of workforce

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Examples of workforce in a Sentence

We have a workforce of 2,400 people. the office's entire workforce is devoted to a single project right now
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.
On top of that, Netflix last week announced plans to lay off around 1,000 employees, or 6% of its workforce, and replaced its chief content officer. — Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026 Young people entering the workforce are trying to determine which careers will still exist in 10 or 20 years. — Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 The layoffs, amounting to 6% of the company’s workforce, or about 1,000 positions, were implemented Tuesday and Wednesday. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 Sacramento State and Sierra College leaders told the group that their schools are responding to the industry’s workforce needs. — Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for workforce

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of workforce was in 1866

Rhymes for workforce

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Browse Nearby Words

workfolk
workforce
workful
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Cite this Entry

“Workforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workforce. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

workforce

noun
work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfō(ə)rs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
-ˌfȯ(ə)rs
: the workers of a specific activity or business
the factory's workforce
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