Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
white-collar. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
white-collar, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
white-collar in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
white-collar you have here. The definition of the word
white-collar will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
white-collar, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From the color of dress shirts worn by professional and clerical workers, as opposed to the rugged denim and chambray shirts normally worn by manual workers.
Pronunciation
/ˌwaɪt ˈkɑlər/
Adjective
white-collar (comparative more white-collar, superlative most white-collar)
- Of or pertaining to office work and workers; contrasted with blue-collar.
- Synonym: (dated) black-coated
1929 December, Betty Boone, “The Price of this Stardom”, in Screenland, page 22:This being a motion picture star is a real business. It's a job, and not always a white collar one, either.
- Pertaining to the culture of white-collar workers, as values, politics, etc.; contrasted with blue-collar.
Derived terms
Descendants
Translations
of or pertaining to office work and workers