division of labor

noun phrase

: the breakdown of labor into its components and their distribution among different persons, groups, or machines to increase productive efficiency

Examples of division of labor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And this division of labor in turn influenced beliefs about the appropriate roles of men and women in society. Sofia Shchukina, NPR, 3 Sep. 2024 And could the increasing division of labor come with unforeseen limitations? Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024 That unit of the department’s division of labor and industry was on the scene over the weekend, spokesperson Jamie Mangrum said. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2024 Because of this division of labor, properties often ask guests not to remove their towels from their room or pilfer ones from the pool or spa. Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for division of labor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'division of labor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of division of labor was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near division of labor

Cite this Entry

“Division of labor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/division%20of%20labor. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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