man-hour

noun

ˈman-ˈau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce man-hour (audio)
: a unit of one hour's work by one person that is used especially as a basis for cost accounting and wages

Examples of man-hour 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.
According to the report, the Department of Education’s paperwork required millions of man-hours per year to complete. — Lindsey M. Burke, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2025 The agreement, which would see Antioch pay up to $200 per man-hour to the assisting agency, also covers vehicle maintenance and fuel costs during the operations. — Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of man-hour was in 1912

Rhymes for man-hour

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Browse Nearby Words

manhood suffrage
man-hour
manhunt
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Cite this Entry

“Man-hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/man-hour. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

man-hour

noun
ˈman-ˈau̇(-ə)r
: a unit of one hour's work by one worker used especially as a basis for wages and in accounting
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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