labour

[ley-ber]

noun

Chiefly British.

1. labor.

labour

/ ˈleɪbə /

noun

1. productive work, esp physical toil done for wages

2. 1. the people, class, or workers involved in this, esp in contrast to management, capital, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a labour dispute

      labour relations

3. 1. difficult or arduous work or effort

   2. ( in combination )

      labour-saving

4. a particular job or task, esp of a difficult nature

5. 1. the process or effort of childbirth or the time during which this takes place

   2. ( as modifier )

      labour pains

6. something done for pleasure rather than gain

verb

1. (intr) to perform labour; work

2. (intr; foll by for, etc) to strive or work hard (for something)

3. to be burdened (by) or be at a disadvantage (because of)

   to labour under a misapprehension

4. (intr) to make one's way with difficulty

5. (tr) to deal with or treat too persistently

   to labour a point

6. (intr) (of a woman) to be in labour

7. (intr) (of a ship) to pitch and toss

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• labouringly adverb
• antilabour adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of labour¹

C13: via Old French from Latin labor; perhaps related to lābī to fall

Example Sentences

It was a dramatic victory sealed at the end of an energy-sapping half that the visitors played without forward Matty Lees, who left midway through the game after his wife went into labour.

From BBC

"All I remember is going back up on to the labour suite and my sister coming with my two other children," she said.

From BBC

Pregnant women with adenomyosis are at a greater risk of complications during labour, according to consultant gynaecologist Anthony Griffiths, but the risks are not managed because it remains under-diagnosed.

From BBC

"Exercise is not dangerous for your baby," the guidance adds, noting there is evidence that active women are "less likely" to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour.

From BBC

"The expression of pessimist sentiments doesn't necessarily mean a fundamental rejection of participating in the labour market and society at large," says Dr Luo.

From BBC