field hand

noun

1. a person who works in the fields of a farm or plantation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of field hand¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

His father, who is listed as not being able to read or write, was a farmer and Lawrence is listed as a field hand in the 1880 census.

From Washington Post

In high school, Alcántar often worked as a field hand on the farm where his father had become a foreman.

From MIT Technology Review

She had been a field-hand in North Carolina, and worked at cutting down trees, grubbing land, and mauling rails.

From Project Gutenberg

She was the dependable field-hand for the sowing and reaping, when agriculture became the principal means of subsistence.

From Project Gutenberg

On his plantation Henson served as water-boy, butler and finally as a field hand, experiencing the usual hardship of the slave.

From Project Gutenberg

Dilsey, the corn-field hand, almost fell down the steps announcing supper.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, every machine operator and field hand on the planet thinks he can reincarnate as a prince or a millionaire.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agricultural laborer
• agricultural worker
• farm laborer
• farm worker