Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

day laborer

American  

noun

  1. an unskilled worker paid by the day.


Etymology

Origin of day laborer

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The noise is in earshot of the IDEPSCA’s day laborer center, one of five operated by the organization that have supported workers for over two decades.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

The day laborer said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have previously detained other workers at the Panorama City Home Depot and have returned frequently.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2025

Ricardo, who earns a meager income as a day laborer, shares his small single-family house with 18 other people, including his three children, parents and other extended family.

From Barron's • Oct. 17, 2025

Pedro Vásquez Perdomo, a day laborer who is one of the plaintiffs on the Southern California case challenging racial profiling by immigration enforcement, has said the case is bigger than him.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2025

Across the Thames Burns pointed to some factories, saying: "There is where my father worked as a day laborer, and where I worked."

From Under Four Administrations From Cleveland to Taft by Straus, Oscar S.

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "day laborer" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com