workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs 

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

c

: horse sense 7

Examples of workhorse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These workhorse ingredients make this lotion worth its not-insignificant price tag. —Erin Bunch, SELF, 5 Feb. 2025

Leonard was the workhorse on a monstrous 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to open the game. —Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

Broad-leaved and needled evergreen shrubs are the workhorses of winter, providing enduring structure and color. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025

Maybe no Chiefs player benefited from the late-season layoff more than Kareem Hunt, who had been the team’s workhorse while Pacheco was recovering from injuries. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯ(ə)rs 

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