labour

American  

[ley-ber] / ˈleɪ bər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. labor.

---

labour British  

/ ˈleɪbə /

noun

1. productive work, esp physical toil done for wages

2. 1. the people, class, or workers involved in this, esp in contrast to management, capital, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a labour dispute

      labour relations

3. 1. difficult or arduous work or effort

   2. ( in combination )

      labour-saving

4. a particular job or task, esp of a difficult nature

5. 1. the process or effort of childbirth or the time during which this takes place

   2. ( as modifier )

      labour pains

6. something done for pleasure rather than gain

---

verb

1. (intr) to perform labour; work

2. (intr; foll by for, etc) to strive or work hard (for something)

3. to be burdened (by) or be at a disadvantage (because of)

   to labour under a misapprehension

4. (intr) to make one's way with difficulty

5. (tr) to deal with or treat too persistently

   to labour a point

6. (intr) (of a woman) to be in labour

7. (intr) (of a ship) to pitch and toss

Spelling

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• antilabour adjective
• labouringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of labour

C13: via Old French from Latin labor; perhaps related to lābī to fall

Example Sentences

The British Chamber of Commerce has said that tax and labour costs are the biggest concerns for British businesses.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Pheu Thai was allotted nine minister jobs, including agriculture, labour, education and social development.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

But the debate has intensified in recent years, particularly after some nations and businesses which historically profited from African slave labour formally apologised and announced measures of atonement.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

They assessed the impact of rising temperatures on economic factors including labour productivity and agriculture, but also some associated climate-driven weather extremes.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

“I have heard,” said Nathan, “that labour is required of you not here, but in the island of Ceylon.”

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya