First Known Use: circa 1627
Dictionary
1job
noun \ˈjäb\
: the work that a person does regularly in order to earn money
: a duty, task, or function that someone or something has
: something that requires very great effort
Full Definition of JOB
1
a : a piece of work; especially : a small miscellaneous piece of work undertaken on order at a stated rate b : the object or material on which work is being done c : something produced by or as if by work <did a nice job> d : an example of a usually specified type : item <the limousine was a long white job>
2
a : something done for private advantage <the whole incident was a put-up job> b : a criminal enterprise; specifically : robbery c : a damaging or destructive bit of work <did a job on him>
3
a (1) : something that has to be done : task (2) : an undertaking requiring unusual exertion <it was a real job to talk over that noise> b : a specific duty, role, or function c : a regular remunerative position d chiefly British : state of affairs —usually used with bad or good <it was a good job you didn't hit the old man — E. L. Thomas>
4
: plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes <a nose job>
— on the job
: at work
See job defined for English-language learners
See job defined for kids
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Origin of JOB
perhaps from obsolete English job lump
Related to JOB
- Synonyms
- appointment, berth, billet, capacity, connection, function, place, position, post, situation
Synonym Discussion of JOB
task, duty, job, chore, stint, assignment mean a piece of work to be done. task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance <charged with a variety of tasks>. duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance <the duties of a lifeguard>. job applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance <the job of turning the company around>. chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm <every child was assigned chores>. stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service <a 2-month stint as a reporter>. assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority <a reporter's assignment>.
Other Business Terms
2job
verb
jobbedjob·bing
Definition of JOB
intransitive verb
1
: to do odd or occasional pieces of work for hire
2
: to carry on public business for private gain
3
: to carry on the business of a middleman or wholesaler
transitive verb
1
: to buy and sell (as stock) for profit : speculate
2
: to hire or let by the job or for a period of service
3
: to get, deal with, or effect by jobbery
4
: to do or cause to be done by separate portions or lots : subcontract —often used with out
5
: to penalize or deprive unfairly
First Known Use of JOB
1694
Other Business Terms
3job
adjective
Definition of JOB
1
British : that is for hire for a given service or period
2
: used in, engaged in, or done as job work <a job shop>
3
: of or relating to a job or to employment <a guarantee of job security>
First Known Use of JOB
1710
Other Business Terms
Job
noun \ˈjōb\
Definition of JOB
1
: the hero of the book of Job who endures afflictions with fortitude and faith
2
: a narrative and poetic book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see bible table
See Job defined for kids Origin of JOB
Latin, from Greek Iōb, from Hebrew Iyyōbh
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Bible Terms
JOB Defined for Kids
job
noun \ˈjäb\
Definition of JOB for Kids
1
: work done regularly for pay <My mom has a good job.>
2
: a special duty or function <It's my job to wash dishes.>
3
: a piece of work usually done on order at an agreed rate <Carpenters did the repair job.>
4
: something produced by or as if by work <I can do a better job.>
— job·less \-ləs\ adjective
Medical Dictionary
job
noun \ˈjäb\
Medical Definition of JOB
: plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes <an eye job>
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