Definitions

white-collar

[hwahyt-kol-er, wahyt-] / ˈʰwaɪtˈkɒl ər, ˈwaɪt- /

ADJECTIVE

non-manual

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clerical salaried

WEAK

executive office professional

NOUN

office worker

Synonyms

STRONG

administrator clerk employee executive jobholder manager supervisor worker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hsu is also facing a white collar crime enhancement alleging tax losses of more than $500,000, according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Big companies have already been laying off thousands of white collar workers over the past year, in some cases pointing to increased efficiency created by AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

And while the blue collar and gig economy labor markets are less affected, white collar workers who can’t find work begin to flood in, increasing labor supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

It is unlikely the police will hold Andrew overnight, as typically with arrests relating to white collar crime, people are held for a few hours to allow for searches and initial questioning.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

She wore a hotel maid’s uniform, gray with a white collar.

From "Eleven" by Tom Rogers