worker

/ˈwɜːrkər/
nounBeginner
formal

A person who performs a job or task, especially for wages or salary.

The factory employs over 500 workers.

The factory employs over 500 workers.

Essential workers were praised during the pandemic.

Essential workers were praised during the pandemic.

💡

The term can refer to both manual and intellectual laborers.

⚙️Engineering
technical

A device or mechanism that performs a specific function, often in machinery.

The hydraulic worker lifts heavy loads with precision.

The hydraulic worker lifts heavy loads with precision.

💡

This usage is common in engineering and industrial contexts.

Collocations

essential workera worker providing critical services, such as healthcare or public safetyblue-collar workera worker in manual labor or industrial jobswhite-collar workera worker in professional or administrative roles

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

work ethicphrase
the principles or standards that govern one's attitude toward work
worker beeidiom
a diligent and industrious person, often in a subordinate role

💡Pro Tip

General vs. Specific Usage

Use 'worker' for general references to employment. For specific roles, use terms like 'engineer', 'nurse', or 'technician'.

Gold Rule

Avoid Gender Bias

Use 'worker' as a gender-neutral term; avoid assumptions about gender in job roles.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'workere', meaning 'one who works', derived from Old English 'weorc' (work) + '-ere' (agent suffix).

📝Usage Notes

The term is neutral and can apply to any type of employment, though it is often used in contexts emphasizing labor or effort.

Word Breakdown

work
labor or effort
root
+
-er
one who performs the action
suffix
English Dictionary