labour

American  

[ley-ber] / ˈleɪ bər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. labor.

---

labour British  

/ 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

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• antilabour
  adjective
• labouringly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of labour

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

Example Sentences

Pubs and hospitality venues across the UK have been under increased pressure in recent years, which has been attributed to increased labour costs, rising business rates and shifting consumer habits.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Ma cautioned that Japan has "homework" to do, including on production capacity, skilled labour, second- and third-tier suppliers, certification, testing, maintenance support and the ability to "deliver on time".

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

French bakeries sold crusty baguettes and flaky croissants with government backing Friday, defying labour unions arguing that May 1 should remain a day of compulsory rest.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Meanwhile, labour unions say staff in many cases could be pressured by their employers to volunteer to work or risk their employment contracts.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Stone-hard are the Dwarves in labour or journey, but this endless chase began to tell on him, as all hope failed in his heart.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien