division of labor

[ dih-vizh-uhn uhv ley-ber ]

noun

, Economics.

1. a production process in which a worker or group of workers is assigned a specialized task in order to increase efficiency.

division of labor

1. Dividing a job into many specialized parts, with a single worker or a few workers assigned to each part. Division of labor is important to mass production .

Word History and Origins

Origin of division of labor¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

How did you coordinate the division of labor with the special effects team?

From Los Angeles Times

And could the increasing division of labor come with unforeseen limitations?

From Los Angeles Times

Both parties have colluded over decades to ignore this basic division of labor.

From Los Angeles Times

The agreement also puts an end to the so-called Sector Plans, a scheme launched in 2023 that spends €200 million annually to reduce academic workloads, provide jobs at universities and academic medical centers, and structure the division of labor between institutes.

From Science Magazine

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani thought he might be able to play Sunday, but manager Dave Roberts made clear the division of labor that is needed.

From Los Angeles Times