on the job

1 of 2

phrase

: at work : while working
was injured on the job

on-the-job

2 of 2

adjective

ˈȯn-ṯẖə-ˈjäb How to pronounce on-the-job (audio)
: of, relating to, or being something (such as training or experience) learned, gained, or done while working at a job

Examples of on the job 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.
Phrase
That training continues on the job as Gus attends Welcome Week activities, first-day-of-school photos, athletic events and community programs. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Garcia-Alamilla had had less than a year on the job at the time of the shooting. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Plus, energy jobs often don’t require a costly college degree—specialized training and on-the-job experience are king. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 Many skilled trades, including plumbing, electrical work and HVAC, offer apprenticeship programs that combine paid, on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the job

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on the job was in 1938

Rhymes for on the job

See All Rhymes for on the job

Browse Nearby Words

on their best behavior
on the job
on-the-job
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On the job.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20job. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

on-the-job

adjective
: received or learned while working at a job
on-the-job training
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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