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
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.
The most startling part of the costume is the mask, with its severe and labored expression. Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 In fact, the second episode, after the labored setup of the pilot, is much more dramatically engaging, if only for dialing down the exposition and cranking up the conflict on several fronts at once. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024 There are many possible causes for labored breathing in an older cat including, but not limited to, cardiac, primary lung, viral, bleeding, asthma, and other primary causes. Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 14 July 2024 Signs of pets being overheated include frantic panting, extreme salivation and labored breathing. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 3 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for labored 

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 Jan. 2025.

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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