Labor Meaning

UK /ˈleɪbər/
US /ˈleɪbər/
Word Definition
labor meaning

Labor Definition & Usage

noun

Work, especially physical work or hard work, often performed for wages.

Examples

  • "The workers went on strike to demand better labor conditions."
  • "Many people rely on manual labor to make a living in rural areas."
  • "The construction of the building involved months of labor-intensive work."
  • "She worked tirelessly, dedicating all her labor to the project."
  • "The labor market is becoming increasingly competitive in major cities."
noun

The process of giving birth, especially the physical effort and pain involved in childbirth.

Examples

  • "The mother went into labor early this morning and was rushed to the hospital."
  • "She experienced several hours of labor before the baby was born."
  • "Labor can be a long and exhausting process for many women."
  • "Doctors monitored her labor closely to ensure everything went smoothly."
  • "The midwife advised her to focus on breathing during labor."
verb

To work, especially in a physically demanding way or for long hours.

Examples

  • "He labored under the hot sun all day, planting crops."
  • "The team labored for weeks to finish the project before the deadline."
  • "She labored diligently, hoping to secure a promotion."
  • "They labored over the manuscript, making sure every detail was perfect."
  • "Many people labor long hours to support their families."

Cultural Context

The concept of 'labor' is integral to many social, economic, and cultural systems. Historically, labor was often associated with physical, manual tasks, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. Over time, the meaning has expanded to include intellectual work and has evolved into a major theme in labor movements and economic theories.

The Long Day's Labor

Story

The Long Day's Labor

It was early morning when Anna arrived at the construction site. The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the hard concrete structures. She had already been awake for hours, preparing for the long day ahead. As the foreman shouted instructions, she and her colleagues began to labor under the hot sun, moving heavy beams and stacking bricks. Anna didn't mind the sweat or the aching muscles; it was the nature of the work she had done for years. But today was different. She had a meeting later that afternoon to discuss a promotion that could change her life. By noon, Anna was covered in dust, her arms aching, but her determination remained unwavering. She labored on, pushing through exhaustion as the clock ticked closer to the meeting time. As she worked, she couldn't help but think about her own journey through life—how hard she had worked, how many hours she had spent laboring for a future she envisioned. The work on the site was tough, but it had provided her with the skills and tenacity she needed. Finally, after hours of labor, the foreman called for a break. Anna sat down, wiping the sweat from her brow, and smiled to herself. She had earned every bit of the rest she was about to take, just as she had earned the right to sit in that meeting later. As the day ended, Anna was exhausted, but there was a sense of pride in her heart. She had labored through the hard work of the day, but now, it was time for the next step. Her future was in her hands.

The Long Day's Labor