piecework

noun

piece·​work ˈpēs-ˌwərk How to pronounce piecework (audio)
: work done by the piece and paid for at a set rate per unit
pieceworker
ˈpēs-ˌwər-kər How to pronounce piecework (audio)
noun

Examples of piecework in a Sentence

doing piecework in a factory
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.
Yet over-the-road truckers earning by the mile or others on piecework won’t benefit a cent. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025 For a piecework tailor, knocking off at dinner time was unaffordable. — Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 The stitchers did piecework solo and assembled them in Belen for critiques. — Melena Ryzik, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2023 The overall feeling is quite chic and allowed the leather piecework, a combination of smooth and perforated, to really stand out. — Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecework

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of piecework was in 1549

Rhymes for piecework

See All Rhymes for piecework

Browse Nearby Words

piecewise
piecework
pieceworker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

piecework

noun
piece·​work ˈpē-ˌswərk How to pronounce piecework (audio)
: work paid for at a rate based on the number of articles produced rather than the time spent working
pieceworker
-ˌswər-kər How to pronounce piecework (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

piecework

noun
piece·​work ˈpēs-ˌwərk How to pronounce piecework (audio)
: work done by the piece and paid for at a set rate per unit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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