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laborer
noun
la·bor·er
ˈlā-bər-ər
: one that labors
specifically
: a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
Synonyms
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
Industry celebrates Enbridge approval Industry and labor groups celebrated the approval Thursday, especially because Enbridge has contracted with Michaels Construction for the project that is expected to employ Wisconsin laborers.
—Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024
According to Boston University's Korean Diaspora Project, when the then-sovereign state was annexed by the U.S. in 1898, plantation owners in Hawaii requiring cheap labor led to an influx of Chinese workers from Canton, as well as laborers from Korea.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
At Merced College, seven of the 23 students enrolled so far are farm laborers, according to a college spokesperson.
—Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024
But since 2010, changes in the populations that were migrating, and the failure of Congress to update the system with new legal channels for refugees and laborers, have made asylum the default access for migrants coming to the southwest border.
—Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
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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
Dictionary Entries Near laborer
Cite this Entry
“Laborer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laborer. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
laborer
noun
la·bor·er
ˈlā-bər-ər
: one that works
especially
: a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
More from Merriam-Webster on laborer
Nglish: Translation of laborer for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of laborer for Arabic Speakers
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