labored

adjective

la·​bored ˈlā-bərd How to pronounce labored (audio)
: produced or performed with labor
labored breathing
also : lacking ease of expression
a labored speech

Examples of labored in a Sentence

The patient's symptoms included a rapid pulse and labored breathing. The movie's dialogue seems very labored.
Recent Examples on the Web Six days earlier, Beacon was admitted to an emergency pet hospital with symptoms that included stiffness, labored breathing and a fever. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024 Over time my wife and I developed low-level headaches and labored breathing. Sunset Magazine, 13 Aug. 2024 Her labored breathing was evident, as was her passionate commitment to this work. Laura Captari, The Conversation, 24 June 2024 Some signs to watch out for include frantic panting, extreme salivation and labored breathing, according to the American Kennel Club. Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for labored 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'labored.' 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

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of labored was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near labored

Cite this Entry

“Labored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labored. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

labored

adjective
la·​bored
ˈlā-bərd
: produced or done with labor
labored breathing

Medical Definition

labored

adjective
la·​bored ˈlā-bərd How to pronounce labored (audio)
: produced or performed with difficulty or strain
labored breathing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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