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.
Years of hard labor and alcohol abuse have taken their toll. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 May 2026 The few months of hard labor can earn enough extra income to keep their homes running for the rest of the year. — Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026 But 50 refused and were sentenced to hard labor ranging from 8 to 15 years. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 In 1952 he was convicted for his role in a civil disobedience campaign and received a nine-month sentence of hard labor (suspended for two years). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026 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

Rhymes for hard labor

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Browse Nearby Words

hard knocks
hard labor
hard-laid
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Cite this Entry

“Hard labor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20labor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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