workhorse
workhorse Lexical Profile
workhorse Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A machine, vehicle, or system that operates reliably and continuously under heavy use or difficult conditions.
"For decades, the C-130 Hercules aircraft has served as the primary logistical workhorse for military cargo transport around the globe."
A person who continually performs a large amount of hard, dependable labor, often taking on the heaviest or most difficult tasks for a group or organization.
"She is the true workhorse of the committee, handling all the logistical details and paperwork while others take the credit."
A horse kept primarily for heavy labor, such as pulling plows, wagons, or other farm equipment, rather than for riding or racing.
"Before the advent of the motorized tractor, the sturdy workhorse was absolutely essential to daily agricultural operations."
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'work' and 'horse', originally used in the 16th century to denote a draft animal. Its metaphorical extension to describe tirelessly hardworking people and dependable machines became prevalent in the 20th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.