workhorse

noun

work·​horse ˈwərk-ˌhȯrs How to pronounce workhorse (audio)
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.
After Seattle scored a fourth-quarter touchdown following a Jacobs fumble, the Packers returned to their workhorse running back before Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love connected with Doubs in the end zone again to put the game away. Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 Spring for the Ferrari of pasta machines instead, a small but mighty workhorse kitted out in cherry red and silver chrome. Sophie Dodd, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024 As the backbone of American commerce, formaldehyde is a workhorse in major sectors of the economy, preserving bodies in funeral homes, binding particleboards in furniture and serving as a building block in plastic. Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 Since its experimental debut in a then-futuristic campaign, the banner ad has remained digital advertising’s reliable workhorse, and even today, display advertising (including banner ads) is only bested by search advertising for revenue share, generating $66 billion in 2023. Sergii Denysenko, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near workhorse

Cite this Entry

“Workhorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workhorse. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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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