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
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Meanwhile, the current distillery is an absolute workhorse, capable of producing 64 million liters of new-make spirit per year. Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 Treat all of your anti-aging concerns with this one workhorse ingredient. Deanna Pai, Glamour, 20 May 2025 Stand mixers are the workhorses of the kitchen, making every batch of bread much easier to prepare. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 May 2025 Stainless Steel Reliable and versatile, stainless-steel pans are true workhorses in the kitchen. Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 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 1 Jun. 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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