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labor

n. · v.
US //ˈɫeɪbɝ// UK //lˈeɪbɐ// la·bor
  1. 1 hard work (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    hard physical or mental work.

    physical or mental exertion, especially when difficult or compulsory.

    Example

    Building the stone wall required months of heavy labor in the sun.

    Example

    The restoration of the cathedral was a true labor of love, involving hundreds of volunteers who dedicated their weekends to the project.
  2. 2 the workforce (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    workers looked at as a group, especially those who do physical work.

    workers collectively, often in contrast to management or capital.

    Example

    The company is trying to reduce its labor costs by using more machines.

    Example

    The tension between organized labor and the corporate board led to a series of strikes that paralyzed the manufacturing sector for weeks.
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  1. 3 childbirth (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Medicine

    the period of time and the process of giving birth to a baby.

    the process of childbirth, specifically the period from the onset of uterine contractions to the expulsion of the fetus.

    Example

    She was in labor for twelve hours before the baby was finally born.

    Example

    Medical staff monitored the patient closely throughout the final stages of labor to ensure there were no complications for the infant.
  2. 4 to work hard (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    to work very hard at a difficult task.

    to exert oneself physically or mentally; to work strenuously.

    Example

    The farmers labored in the fields from dawn until dusk.

    Example

    The researchers labored for years under difficult conditions before they finally achieved a breakthrough in the treatment of the disease.
  3. 5 to move with difficulty (v.)
    C1 Advanced American English Formal

    to move or breathe with a lot of effort.

    to proceed or function with great effort or difficulty.

    Example

    The old truck labored up the steep hill, making a loud noise.

    Example

    The engine labored under the immense weight of the cargo, eventually stalling just as the convoy reached the mountain pass.
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