hard labor

noun

: compulsory labor of imprisoned criminals as a part of the prison discipline

Examples of hard labor 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.
Ultimately, Hazzard was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to perform hard labor at a state penitentiary in Walla Walla, Wash. Sean Neumann, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025 So Saban should enjoy the fruits of his hard labor. Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 15 Mar. 2024 His grandfather, a journalist and historian, was arrested in 1937, and forced to do hard labor in the Russian Far East. Valerie Hopkins, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024 Watson plays Sister Mary, whose convent is concealing a Magdalene Laundry, businesses run jointly by the Church and the Irish state where unwed mothers were consigned to repent of their sins, do hard labor and ultimately deliver their babies for adoption. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hard labor 

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard labor was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near hard labor

Cite this Entry

“Hard labor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20labor. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

hard labor

noun
: compulsory labor imposed upon prisoners as part of a sentence or as prison discipline
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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