labour
Americannoun
noun
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productive work, esp physical toil done for wages
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the people, class, or workers involved in this, esp in contrast to management, capital, etc
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( as modifier )
a labour dispute
labour relations
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difficult or arduous work or effort
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( in combination )
labour-saving
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a particular job or task, esp of a difficult nature
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the process or effort of childbirth or the time during which this takes place
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( as modifier )
labour pains
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something done for pleasure rather than gain
verb
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(intr) to perform labour; work
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(intr; foll by for, etc) to strive or work hard (for something)
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to be burdened (by) or be at a disadvantage (because of)
to labour under a misapprehension
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(intr) to make one's way with difficulty
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(tr) to deal with or treat too persistently
to labour a point
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(intr) (of a woman) to be in labour
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(intr) (of a ship) to pitch and toss
Spelling
See -or 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of labour
C13: via Old French from Latin labor; perhaps related to lābī to fall
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 recent BBC investigation highlighted the issue after hearing of the traumatic experience for mothers having to attend court while recovering from labour.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
"Please go back to your factories," he said after a meeting with other labour leaders on Monday night.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026
Two days later and after 10 hours in labour, Danielle gave birth to a baby girl.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
However, labour leaders say workers' grievances extend beyond the formation of the board, citing inflation and rising household expenses.
From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026
But King Laugh he come like the sunshine, and he ease off the strain again; and we bear to go on with our labour, what it may be.”
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
