workforce

noun

work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfȯrs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
Synonyms of workforce
1
: the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise
the factory's workforce
2
: the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose
the nation's workforce

Synonyms of workforce

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Examples of workforce in a Sentence

We have a workforce of 2,400 people. the office's entire workforce is devoted to a single project right now
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.
What is new is the idea that developing academic and workforce skills become central to the high school experience. — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026 In fact, studies suggest that using less fertilizer can boost this natural workforce. — Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 The analysis found that insurers listed rising costs across the healthcare sector — from hospital visits to prescription drugs, the workforce and sicker patients — as the biggest cause of rising premiums. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 In June alone, 720,000 people left the workforce, the Labor Department estimated. — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for workforce

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of workforce was in 1866

Rhymes for workforce

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Browse Nearby Words

workfolk
workforce
workful
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Cite this Entry

“Workforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workforce. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

workforce

noun
work·​force ˈwərk-ˌfō(ə)rs How to pronounce workforce (audio)
-ˌfȯ(ə)rs
: the workers of a specific activity or business
the factory's workforce

More from Merriam-Webster on workforce

Nglish: Translation of workforce for Spanish Speakers

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