right-to-work

adjective

ˈrīt-tə-ˈwərk How to pronounce right-to-work (audio)
: opposing or banning the closed shop and the union shop

Examples of right-to-work 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.
In right-to-work states, workers cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. — Chase Jordan april 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026 Well, except in Florida, which is a right-to-work state, nobody is required to pay dues to the union. — Jim Defede, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026 As a result, right-to-work laws weaken unions’ ability to negotiate better working conditions and reduce the share of workers who belong to unions. — Kelly Chen, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2025 Illinois is surrounded by states — Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and Wisconsin — which have right-to-work laws. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for right-to-work

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of right-to-work was in 1949

Rhymes for right-to-work

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Browse Nearby Words

right to remain silent
right-to-work
right triangle
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Cite this Entry

“Right-to-work.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-to-work. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

right-to-work

adjective
: of, relating to, or being a law prohibiting labor agreements that require all employees to be union members
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