worker

noun

work·​er ˈwər-kər How to pronounce worker (audio)
Synonyms of workernext
1
a
: one that works especially at manual or industrial labor or with a particular material
a factory worker
—often used in combination
b
: a member of the working class
2
: any of the sexually underdeveloped and usually sterile members of a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, or termites that perform most of the labor and protective duties of the colony

Synonyms of worker

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Examples of worker in a Sentence

The company is planning to hire 200 workers. The average worker earned $1,000 more this year. If management doesn't make the changes, the workers will go on strike. They are both hard workers.
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.
However, the largest drop in June occurred among prime-age workers, leaving several economists puzzled and surprised. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 In Wyoming, Hammack recounted her recent visit with a group of manufacturing plant workers in Erie, Pennsylvania. — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026 The military has had trouble recruiting and retaining federal blue-collar workers who are specialists and required to conduct their work in remote environments around the world. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Riaz Lodhi, country director for the World Food Programme in Nepal, said rescue workers are trying to dig people out of the mud and that the Nepalese government is deploying helicopters to help. — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worker

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of worker was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing worker

Rhymes for worker

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Browse Nearby Words

worked up
worker
worker cell
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Cite this Entry

“Worker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worker. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

worker

noun
work·​er ˈwər-kər How to pronounce worker (audio)
1
a
: one that works
b
: a member of the working class
2
: one of the members of a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, or termites that are only partially developed sexually and that perform most of the labor and protective duties of the colony

More from Merriam-Webster on worker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about worker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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