workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
Synonyms of workhorsenext
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
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.
With a spill-resistant keyboard and modular USB-C ports for simplified repairs, Pro 7 Series 14 has the makings of an ideal fleet workhorse. — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 Diesel, the workhorse fuel that powers trucks, tractors and trains, remains near all-time highs. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 The central processing unit, or CPU, was once the primary workhorse of a computer server before Nvidia's graphics processing units took center stage with the launch of ChatGPT and the start of the generative AI era. — Kif Leswing,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 Stoneware dinnerware has always been the workhorse of the ceramics world. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for workhorse

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of workhorse was in the 15th century

Rhymes for workhorse

See All Rhymes for workhorse

Browse Nearby Words

workhead
workhorse
workhouse
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Cite this Entry

“Workhorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workhorse. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

workhorse

noun
work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
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

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