workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
Synonyms of workhorsenext
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.
This was taken a step further in 2025, a year that cemented the lasting dominance of the FPV quadrocopters as the workhorse of modern warfare. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025 In other words, this whiskey is a versatile workhorse that is also delicate and complex enough to save for sipping. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2025 At the same time, one single style will surely act as a workhorse in your wardrobe. Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2025 According to Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management at Volvo Trucks, the Volvo FL Electric is designed as a practical inner-city workhorse with zero tailpipe emissions, optimized to match real-world operating needs. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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