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

Liv Morgan continues to be an absolute workhorse and a top-notch personality in the industry. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

These workhorses are generally considered to be highly reliable. —Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 20 Feb. 2025

The pop workhorse who turned her breakthrough into a multimedia cultural moment? —Justin Curto, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025

An adjustable workhorse: In the same vein as BowFlex’s adjustable dumbbells, the SelectTech 840 Kettlebell prevents clutter with its wide selection of weight options from 8 to 40 pounds. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for workhorse

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racecourse
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse

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