day labor

noun

1. workers hired on a daily basis only, especially unskilled labor.
2. work done by a day laborer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of day labor¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

On top of that, new rules requiring asylum-seekers to wait a year before acquiring a work permit has forced many asylum-seekers to look for day labor, compounding the competition.

From Voice of San Diego

Even to-day labor in Central Europe has risen in price to within 70 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Though no salt tang came in the wind, it blew sweet, refreshing the men at their dog-day labor.

From Project Gutenberg

A return to day-labor is attended, though perhaps in a less degree, by the same discomfort.

From Project Gutenberg