What does workmen mean?
Workmen is the plural form of workman and means men employed in work, especially manual, industrial, or construction occupations such as factory labor, transport, or building work. In ordinary modern English, workers is usually the more neutral and inclusive choice, while workmen can sound old-fashioned, formal, or—in some contexts—slightly dismissive because it foregrounds male manual workers. The word remains idiomatic in expressions such as skilled workmen and local workmen, and it can be used when the distinction between male workers and other people is relevant. In older writing, it could also mean employed men more generally. The form is notable because it is already plural: one man employed in work is a workman, while the group is workmen. Workmen belongs to a productive English family that includes workman, workshop, workmanship, and working, all based on the same Old English foundations for work and human beings or activity. The term is therefore both practical and historical, preserving a social distinction that contemporary usage often avoids.
nounMen employed in work, especially manual, industrial, or construction work. In older or more general usage, it can simply mean employed men.
- Men employed in manual, industrial, construction, or other practical work.
- In older or more general usage, employed men without a specific emphasis on manual labor.
"The skilled workmen repaired the roof before the storm arrived."
"The workmen cleared the damaged section of the railway track."
"In nineteenth-century accounts, the factory owners and their workmen are presented as opposing parties."
Already plural; the usual singular is workman.
"The workmen completed the repairs ahead of schedule."
Workmen is already plural, but its singular is workman—a small linguistic reminder that familiar words can conceal surprising forms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of workmen
The compound workman has been used since Middle English, formed from the English words work and man. The underlying words are of Old English origin: work comes from weorc, while man comes from mann. The plural workmen developed alongside the compound, and related English formations include workshop, workmanship, and working.
How workmen is actually used
Workmen is still understood, but workers is often preferred in contemporary English because it is more inclusive and less likely to sound old-fashioned. In some British contexts, workmen can also sound slightly dismissive when referring to manual laborers.
Easily confused with workmen
Workers is a gender-neutral, general term, whereas workmen traditionally refers specifically to men, often in manual or industrial occupations.
Workman is the usual singular of workmen, while workmen is the plural form.