Definition of "labour" in 英语

noun

1. An effort expended on a particular task; toil, work.

2. That which requires hard work for its accomplishment; that which demands effort.

3. (uncountable) Workers in general; the working class, the workforce; sometimes specifically the labour movement, organised labour.

4. (uncountable) A political party or force aiming or claiming to represent the interests of labour.

5. (medicine, obstetrics) The act of a mother giving birth.

6. The time period during which a mother gives birth.

7. (nautical) The pitching or tossing of a vessel which results in the straining of timbers and rigging.

8. (historical) A traditional unit of area in Mexico and Texas, equivalent to 177.1 acres or 71.67 ha.

9. (uncommon, zoology) A group of moles.

verb

1. (intransitive) To toil, to work.

2. (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.

3. 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.

4. To suffer the pangs of childbirth.

5. (nautical) To pitch or roll heavily, as a ship in a turbulent sea.