Worker

Definition

Worker refers to a person who is engaged in work, especially manual labor or tasks in exchange for compensation. It can also describe individuals in specific roles, such as "worker bees" in a hive or automated entities performing tasks.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɝː.kɚ/
• Respelling: WUR-ker

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɜː.kə/
• Respelling: WUR-kuh

Etymology

The word "worker" originates from Old English "wyrcan" (to work) combined with the suffix "-er," denoting a person who performs a specific action. Its use to describe laborers or individuals fulfilling roles dates back to the Middle Ages.

Derivatives

• Work (verb/noun)
• Workplace (noun)
• Workmanship (noun)
• Workforce (noun)
• Overworker (noun)

Synonyms

• Laborer
• Employee
• Staffer

Antonyms

• Employer
• Manager
• Supervisor

Usage

The noun "worker" is commonly used to describe individuals engaged in labor or employment, as in "The factory employs hundreds of workers." It can also refer to specialized roles, such as "The colony's worker bees were busy collecting pollen."

Related Terms

• Employment: The state of being employed or engaged in work.
• Labor: Physical or mental effort exerted to accomplish a task.
• Occupation: A person’s job or profession.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A person engaged in work or employment: Refers to someone performing tasks for payment or under an employer.
  • Example: "The workers protested for better wages."
• A member of a specific group that performs tasks: Describes individuals fulfilling specialized roles, such as in animal colonies or organizational units.
  • Example: "The worker ants carried food back to the colony."
• A person performing manual labor: Refers to those involved in physical or industrial tasks.
  • Example: "Construction workers were on-site early in the morning."