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.
Naturally, none of these heavy workhorses could be successfully raced on the Paris–Roubaix classic. Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Could one of them become the workhorse, similar to Marquez Cooper last season? Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 The way the Mariners see it, Raleigh is everything a team could want, a third-round pick out of Florida State in 2018 who developed into a workhorse at the game’s most physically taxing position. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 Although novelty surfaces stood out, the real workhorse bags will most likely still be timeless, and the more novelty textures will be more seasonally specific. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 17 Mar. 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 19 May. 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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