workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
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

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.
The best leather sneakers are a rare kind of wardrobe workhorse. April Benshosan, Glamour, 14 July 2025 The latest model of Amazon’s Kindle is a lightweight workhorse. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 July 2025 These robots are now the workhorses of Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 After missing most of the last two seasons to a series of injuries, May has become a workhorse of the Dodgers staff, notching career highs for starts (16) and innings pitching (89 2/3) while providing stability for a staff that desperately needs it. Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Workhorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workhorse. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on workhorse

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