man-hour

noun

ˈman-ˈau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce man-hour (audio)
: a unit of one hour's work by one person that is used especially as a basis for cost accounting and wages

Examples of man-hour in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By end of day, six man-hours were consumed that would not have happened otherwise. — David Turner, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026 Authorities said the searched area totals around 20 square miles and more than 6,000 man-hours. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 Wrapping the train's decals took 150 man-hours, according to Amtrak. — Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 Submarines, like the Virginia-class or Columbia-class, take millions of man-hours apiece to assemble. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for man-hour

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of man-hour was in 1912

Rhymes for man-hour

See All Rhymes for man-hour

Browse Nearby Words

manhood suffrage
man-hour
manhunt
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Cite this Entry

“Man-hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/man-hour. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

man-hour

noun
ˈman-ˈau̇(-ə)r
: a unit of one hour's work by one worker used especially as a basis for wages and in accounting
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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