employer

American  

[em-ploi-er] / ɛmˈplɔɪ ər /

noun

1. a person or business that employs one or more people, especially for wages or salary.

   a fair employer.

2. a person or thing that makes use of or occupies someone or something.

   an inadequate employer of one's time.

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employer British  

/ ɪmˈplɔɪə /

noun

1. a person, business, firm, etc, that employs workers

2. a person who employs; user

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Usage

What does employer mean? An employer is a person, company, or organization that employs people—pays them for work.The people who are paid to work are called employees. Employers provide employment.Less commonly, employer can mean something that occupies someone or someone that uses something (the word employ can also mean to use), as in Be a good employer of your time. Example: If the factory closes, thousands of people will lose their jobs—it’s the largest employer in the county.

Other Word Forms

• preemployer noun
• proemployer adjective

Etymology

Origin of employer

First recorded in 1590–1600; employ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Under Australia’s primary retirement-savings system, known as “superannuation,” employers are required to fund workers’ savings accounts, which are invested in select funds.

From MarketWatch

Recent jobless claims readings show employers are holding on to their staff at stable levels even as businesses navigate uncertainty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even if you’re using an employer’s closed system, just don’t copy and paste your notes.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our colleagues urgently need relief –- and employers need a clear signal that we are determined to fight for our demands," said Verdi deputy chair Christine Behle.

From Barron's

Zero-hours contracts let employers hire staff with no guarantee of work, with employees only offered the hours for which they are needed - often at short notice.

From BBC

Related Words

• boss
• company
• corporation
• entrepreneur
• executive
• firm
• management
• manager
• manufacturer
• organization
• owner