is it labour or labor

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The question of whether to use **”labour”** or **”labor”** is a classic example of the spelling differences between British and American English. Both words refer to the same concept—work, physical or mental effort, or the process of childbirth—but the “correct” version depends entirely on your target audience and the regional English style you are following.

Regional Differences: UK vs. US

The primary rule is simple: Labour is the preferred spelling in British English and most other varieties of English used around the world, while labor is the standard spelling in American English.

In Canada, while “labour” is the official and most common spelling, the proximity to the United States means “labor” is occasionally seen in specific technical or commercial contexts, though “labour” remains the standard for government and formal writing.

Etymology and the Noah Webster Influence

Both versions of the word derive from the Old French word labour and the Latin labor. Originally, English spelling was quite fluid, and both versions appeared in manuscripts for centuries.

The divergence became permanent in the early 19th century thanks to Noah Webster, the famous American lexicographer. Webster sought to simplify English spelling and establish a distinct American identity. He removed the “u” from many words ending in -our (such as colour, honour, and labour), arguing that the “u” was unnecessary and that the spelling should more closely match the original Latin roots.

Derivatives and Consistency

When you add suffixes to the word, the spelling usually maintains the regional preference, but there is one notable exception to keep in mind.

• Laborious / Labourious: Interestingly, even in British English, the “u” is dropped in the adjective form. Both regions spell it laborious.
• Laboured / Labored: British English keeps the “u” (a laboured breath), while American English omits it (a labored breath).
• Labourer / Laborer: British English uses labourer; American English uses laborer.

Common Idioms and Phrases

Regardless of the spelling, the meaning remains identical in these common expressions:

Summary Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Which spelling should I use for the Australian political party?

Interestingly, the Australian Labor Party officially adopted the American spelling “Labor” in 1912, influenced by the American labor movement, despite “labour” being the standard spelling in Australian English for all other purposes.

Is “laboured” always spelled with a ‘u’ in the UK?

Yes. In British English, whether you are talking about “laboured breathing” or “laboured prose,” the ‘u’ is retained. In the US, it is always “labored.”

Does “labor” mean something different in a medical context?

No, the meaning is the same. Whether a doctor in London writes about “preterm labour” or a doctor in New York writes about “preterm labor,” they are referring to the same physiological process of childbirth.