Labour is the British spelling of *labor* and means physical or mental work, especially hard work; it also refers to the process of giving birth.
From Old French *labour*, from Latin *labor*, meaning toil or effort. English kept both the older French-style spelling *labour* (used in the UK and many other countries) and the shortened American spelling *labor*.
The *-our* vs. *-or* spellings in words like *labour/labor* reflect style choices, not different meanings. They come from historical battles over spelling reform, where American English pushed harder for simplification than British English did.
As the British spelling of ‘labor,’ it shares the same gendered history: women’s and gender minorities’ labour, especially domestic and reproductive, has been undervalued or ignored, while male-dominated industries have often defined the public image of ‘labour.’
Use ‘labour’ inclusively to cover all forms of work, not just traditionally male-coded sectors; be precise when referring to childbirth versus work in general.
["work","effort","childbirth (when specific)","employment"]
In discussions of labour movements and economics, include the organizing and contributions of women, migrants, and gender-diverse workers, not only male union leaders.
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