child labor

American  

noun

1. the gainful employment of children below an age determined by law or custom.

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Etymology

Origin of child labor

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The early 20th century, Mr. Kimmel tells us, was the beginning of a “new American childhood,” whose hallmarks included the decline of child labor and a newfound emphasis on creative expression and play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

His goal, Donaldson has said, is to eventually get 100% of his cocoa from fair-labor cocoa farms and eliminate child labor in the cocoa industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

Congress prohibited child labor under age 14 in 1916.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

From 2017 through 2024, agricultural employers in California were fined $36,000 for child labor violations, but . . .

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

“Anyway, I don’t really have a choice since my parents own the place. Free child labor and all, you know?”

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez