hired hand

American  

noun

1. a hired laborer, especially on a farm or ranch; farm hand or ranch hand.

2. an employee.

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hired hand Idioms  

1. Also,. A person engaged to assist with farm or domestic chores, as in We need extra hired hands during the harvest, or She was looking for a hired girl to do the laundry. This use of hired dates from the 1200s and referred to someone employed for wages as opposed to a slave or serf. The use of girl now may be offensive.

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Etymology

Origin of hired hand

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

Lawyers for Iwamasa said he was really little more than a hired hand, bound to do the bidding of his wealthy boss.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Ravenholt grew up speaking Danish and worked as a hired hand on neighboring farms while the family lived in rentals until they could afford another property.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2020

But Mr Simpson's family lawyer, Philip Shepherd QC, posited Mr Rutherford to be solely responsible for the safety of the aircraft as the hired hand and the designated pilot in command of the flight.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2020

Mr. Jordahl explains to them that Americans in search of an “authentic” experience hope to interact with the guide as more of an equal than as a hired hand.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2016

But the Shibayamas were owners of a respectable house, and it seemed to them that Fujiko, the daughter in question, could do better than to marry a hired hand in America.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• casual laborer
• day laborer
• farmhand
• hand
• help
• hired help