Meaning & Definition of word "Labour"
Labour
/ˈleɪ.bər/
noun:
- 1. Physical or mental work, especially of a hard or tiring kind.
- Example: The labour involved in building the house was considerable.
- 2. Work for which someone is paid.
- Example: The factory relies on the labour of skilled workers.
- 3. The process of childbirth.
- Example: After several hours of labour, she gave birth to a healthy baby.
verb:
- 1. To work hard or to exert effort.
- Example: They laboured day and night to complete the project on time.
- 2. To perform duties or tasks.
- Example: She laboured over the details of the report to ensure accuracy.
Etymology
●From Old French 'labor', from Latin 'labor' meaning 'work, toil, effort'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
labour of love:
Work done for pleasure rather than for material reward.
labour market:
The supply of available workers in relation to available work.
labour pains:
The contractions and discomfort experienced during childbirth.
Related Words
laborer:
A person who does unskilled manual work.
labour rights:
The legal rights of workers to fair treatment.
labour union:
An organization of workers formed to protect their rights and interests.
Slang Meanings of labour
Meaning: To work hard or exert effort.
● Example Sentence: He really laboured over that project to get it done in time.
Meaning: To be in the process of childbirth.
● Example Sentence: She was labouring at the hospital for several hours.