Labor

/ˈleɪbər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
Work, especially hard physical work.
The labor required to build the bridge was significant.
The process of childbirth.
She began labor early in the morning and gave birth by noon.
A group of workers, particularly in a specific industry or trade.
The labor of the factory employees was crucial for meeting the production deadline.
verb
To work hard or strive.
He labored for hours to complete the project on time.
To be in the process of childbirth.
She was laboring through the night with the support of her husband.

Etymology

Middle English 'labour', from Old French 'labor', from Latin 'labor'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

labor of love
Work undertaken for its own sake, not for material reward.
labor force
The total number of people available for work, including the unemployed.
hard labor
Difficult or physically demanding work.
labor under
To be burdened or encumbered by something.

Related Words

laborer
A person who does manual work.
laboratory
A place where scientific experiments and research are conducted.
laborious
Requiring considerable effort and time.

Slang Meanings

To work hard, especially physically.
He was laboring all day in the fields.
To make a lot of effort with little return.
She felt like she was just laboring for nothing in that job.