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laborer

B2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /lˈeɪbɜːrə/

US

  • /ˈleɪbərər/

Description

A laborer is a person who does hard physical work, usually for pay. Picture someone digging, lifting, carrying, building, cleaning a work site, or helping with farm work. The word usually points to hands-on jobs that depend more on strength and effort than on office work or specialized training. A construction helper, field worker, or road crew member may all be called a laborer. The word is common when people want to stress the physical side of the job and the steady effort it takes.

Examples

  1. 1

    Road work

    He worked as a laborer on a road crew during the summer.

  2. 2

    Construction work

    The contractor hired three laborers to carry bricks and clear debris.

  3. 3

    Seasonal farm work

    Many migrant laborers travel from farm to farm during the harvest season.

    • Phrase

      migrant laborer

      a worker who moves to find work, often seasonal work

  4. 4

    Short-term work

    She started as a day laborer and later got a permanent job with the company.

    • Phrase

      day laborer

      someone hired and paid for short jobs, often one day at a time

  5. 5

    Workplace safety

    The report said construction laborers face a higher risk of injury than many office workers.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • laborernoun

Forms

  • laborerspluralnoun