employer

/ɪmˈplɔɪər/
nounIntermediate
💼Business
formal

A person, company, or organization that pays someone to work for them, typically in exchange for wages or salary.

The company is one of the largest employers in the region.

The company employs thousands of people across multiple locations.

💡

In legal contexts, employers have specific obligations under labor laws, such as providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits.

⚖️Law
formal

A person or entity that provides employment, often with legal responsibilities toward employees.

As an employer, the corporation must comply with workplace safety regulations.

The employer is required by law to ensure a safe working environment.

💡

Employers may also be responsible for payroll taxes, workers' compensation, and other legal obligations.

Collocations

employer-employee relationshipthe legal and professional connection between a company and its workersemployer branda company's reputation as a desirable place to workemployer liabilitylegal responsibility of a company for workplace conditions and actions

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

employer-employee relationshipphrase
the legal and professional connection between a company and its workers
employer brandphrase
a company's reputation as a desirable place to work

💡Pro Tip

Legal Responsibilities

Employers must adhere to labor laws, including providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits as required by law.

Gold Rule

Employer vs. Employee

An employer is the entity that hires workers, while an employee is the person hired. The relationship is governed by contracts and labor laws.

📖Word Origin

From Middle French 'employeur,' meaning 'one who employs,' derived from the verb 'employer' (to employ). The term entered English in the mid-16th century.

📝Usage Notes

The term 'employer' is often used in formal and legal contexts, particularly in discussions about labor laws, workplace policies, and corporate responsibilities. It is distinct from 'employee,' which refers to the person being employed.

Word Breakdown

employ
to give someone a job
root
+
-er
one who performs the action
suffix
English Dictionary