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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.

A pair of blue and yellow earplugs dangle on Jose’s neck while waiting for work as a day laborer out of the Home Depot in Cypress Park.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 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

He also said he would sell food to raise money to take Chris and the children of a day laborer who was detained during the bus stop operation to Disneyland.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2025

Oh, I mean that I am going to find secular work, the work of a day laborer, if necessary.

From Hepsey Burke by Westcott, Frank N. (Frank Noyes)