Labor vs. Labour: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Labor" and "Labour" both refer to work, especially physical work, but "labor" is the preferred spelling in American English, while "labour" is used in British English.
Key Differences
The word "Labor" is predominantly used in American English, reflecting the standard spelling conventions in the United States. Conversely, "Labour" is the preferred spelling in British English and in other English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. Both terms, however, refer to the same concept of work or exertion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
In terms of pronunciation, there is no difference between "Labor" and "Labour." Both are pronounced the same way, with the only distinction lying in their orthography. This difference in spelling is a classic example of the variations that exist between American and British English.
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Nov 29, 2023
In various contexts, "Labor" and "Labour" can represent physical or mental work, the workforce, or even a political party, as seen in the "Labour Party" in the UK. The American counterpart, however, tends to use "Labor" more in the context of labor unions and labor laws.
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Nov 29, 2023
In literature and formal writing, adhering to the respective regional spelling of "Labor" or "Labour" is important for consistency and accuracy. American publications favor "Labor," while British and Commonwealth countries lean towards "Labour."
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Nov 29, 2023
The distinction between "Labor" and "Labour" is purely orthographic and does not extend to the meaning or usage of the word. Both spellings are correct within their respective dialects of English, and their usage is largely influenced by regional spelling norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Preference
Used in American English
Used in British and Commonwealth English
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Usage in Politics
Less commonly associated with political parties
Often associated with political parties, e.g., the Labour Party
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Nov 29, 2023
Contextual Preference
More common in American labor laws and unions
More prevalent in British labor discussions and organizations
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Variations in Literature
Preferred in American literature and publications
Favored in British and Commonwealth literature and publications
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Nov 29, 2023
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Labor and Labour Definitions
Labor
To work hard; toil.
He labored to complete the task before the deadline.
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Nov 23, 2023
Labour
To toil or exert oneself.
He laboured over the intricate details of the painting.
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Nov 23, 2023
Labor
Physical or mental exertion, especially when difficult or exhausting; work.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
Exertion, especially in work.
The labour involved in farming is immense.
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Nov 23, 2023
Labor
A specific task or effort, especially a painful or arduous one
"Eating the bread was a labor I put myself through to quiet my stomach" (Gail Anderson-Dargatz).
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Oct 19, 2023
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Labour
A task or project.
The restoration of the old house was a labour of love.
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Nov 23, 2023
Labour
That which requires hard work for its accomplishment; that which demands effort.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Labor A political party representing workers' interests, especially in Great Britain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
(uncountable) Workers in general; the working class, the workforce; sometimes specifically the labour movement, organised labour.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
The process by which childbirth occurs, beginning with contractions of the uterus and ending with the expulsion of the fetus or infant and the placenta.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
(uncountable) A political party or force aiming or claiming to represent the interests of labour.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
(nautical) The pitching or tossing of a vessel which results in the straining of timbers and rigging.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
(historical) A traditional unit of area in Mexico and Texas, equivalent to 177.1 acres or 71.67 ha.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
To suffer from distress or a disadvantage
Labored under the misconception that others were cooperating.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
To deal with in exhaustive or excessive detail; belabor
Labor a point in the argument.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
(transitive) To belabour, to emphasise or expand upon (a point in a debate, etc).
I think we've all got the idea. There's no need to labour the point.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
To be oppressed with difficulties or disease; to do one's work under conditions which make it especially hard or wearisome; to move slowly, as against opposition, or under a burden.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Physical toil or bodily exertion, especially when fatiguing, irksome, or unavoidable, in distinction from sportive exercise; hard, muscular effort directed to some useful end, as agriculture, manufactures, and like; servile toil; exertion; work.
God hath setLabor and rest, as day and night, to menSuccessive.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
A social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages;
There is a shortage of skilled labor in this field
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Intellectual exertion; mental effort; as, the labor of compiling a history.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
Concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of labor to the birth of a child;
She was in labor for six hours
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
That which requires hard work for its accomplishment; that which demands effort.
Being a labor of so great a difficulty, the exact performance thereof we may rather wish than look for.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
A political party formed in Great Britain in 1900; characterized by the promotion of labor's interests and the socialization of key industries
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Travail; the pangs and efforts of childbirth.
The queen's in labor,They say, in great extremity; and fearedShe'll with the labor end.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
Productive work (especially physical work done for wages);
His labor did not require a great deal of skill
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
Work hard;
She was digging away at her math homework
Lexicographers drudge all day long
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
The pitching or tossing of a vessel which results in the straining of timbers and rigging.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labour
Strive and make an effort to reach a goal;
She tugged for years to make a decent living
We have to push a little to make the deadline!
She is driving away at her doctoral thesis
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
To exert muscular strength; to exert one's strength with painful effort, particularly in servile occupations; to work; to toil.
Adam, well may we labor still to dressThis garden.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
To exert one's powers of mind in the prosecution of any design; to strive; to take pains.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
To be oppressed with difficulties or disease; to do one's work under conditions which make it especially hard, wearisome; to move slowly, as against opposition, or under a burden; to be burdened; - often with under, and formerly with of.
The stone that labors up the hill.
The line too labors, and the words move slow.
To cure the disorder under which he labored.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
To work at; to work; to till; to cultivate by toil.
The most excellent lands are lying fallow, or only labored by children.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
To prosecute, or perfect, with effort; to urge strenuously; as, to labor a point or argument.
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Productive work (especially physical work done for wages);
His labor did not require a great deal of skill
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
A social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages;
There is a shortage of skilled labor in this field
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of labor to the birth of a child;
She was in labor for six hours
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
An organized attempt by workers to improve their status by united action especially via labor unions (especially the leaders of this movement)
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
A political party formed in Great Britain in 1900; characterized by the promotion of labor's interests and the socialization of key industries
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
The federal department responsible for promoting the working conditions of wage earners in the United States; created in 1913
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted;
He prepared for great undertakings
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Strive and make an effort to reach a goal;
She tugged for years to make a decent living
We have to push a little to make the deadline!
She is driving away at her doctoral thesis
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Work hard;
She was digging away at her math homework
Lexicographers drudge all day long
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Oct 19, 2023
Labor
Physical or mental exertion.
The construction project required intense labor.
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Nov 23, 2023
Labor
The workforce of a country or organization.
The new policy affected the entire labor force.
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Nov 23, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can Labour be used in American English?
While "Labour" is understood in American English, it's not the standard spelling.
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Nov 29, 2023
In which English dialect is Labour the preferred spelling?
British and Commonwealth English prefer "Labour."
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Nov 29, 2023
Which spelling is correct in American English, Labor or Labour?
In American English, "Labor" is the correct spelling.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is the pronunciation of Labor and Labour different?
No, both are pronounced the same way.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are Labor and Labour interchangeable in academic writing?
They are not interchangeable; the choice depends on the regional English standard.
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Nov 29, 2023
Does the spelling choice of Labor or Labour affect meaning in legal contexts?
No, the meaning remains the same, though regional legal documents will use the regional spelling.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is Labour associated with any political parties?
Yes, in the UK and some other countries, the Labour Party is a major political party.
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Nov 29, 2023
How should I spell Labor/Labour in an international context?
Choose based on the primary audience of your writing or follow a specific style guide.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is there a meaning difference between Labor and Labour?
No, both terms have the same meaning, referring to work or exertion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Do Labor and Labour have the same grammatical usage?
Yes, their grammatical usage is identical.
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Nov 29, 2023
Should I use Labor or Labour when writing for a global audience?
It depends on your audience; consider using the spelling more familiar to them.
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Nov 29, 2023
Does Labor have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, it can refer to work, childbirth, a workforce, or a labor union.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are there differences in how Labor and Labour are used in political discourse?
Yes, in contexts like labor laws and labor rights, the usage can vary by region.
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Nov 29, 2023
In historical texts, which spelling is more common?
It depends on the origin of the text; British texts will use "Labour," American texts "Labor."
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Nov 29, 2023
Are there any exceptions to the use of Labor in American English?
Generally, no, but in historical or cultural references, "Labour" might be used.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can the spelling Labour be seen in American publications?
It's uncommon and usually indicates a British influence or reference.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Are there any contexts where Labor and Labour are used differently?
No, aside from spelling, their use in context is generally the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is it acceptable to alternate between Labor and Labour in a single document?
It's best to maintain consistency in spelling throughout a document.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is Labor ever used in British English?
Rarely, unless quoting American sources or for specific stylistic reasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can the choice of Labor or Labour impact the perception of a writer's proficiency?
Yes, using the incorrect regional spelling might be perceived as a lack of attention to detail.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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