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work for

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work for someone

 

1. to be employed by someone. She works for Scott Wallace. Who do you work for?

2. . to work as a substitute for someone. I will work for you while you are having your baby. Right now, I am working for Julie, who is out sick.

See also: work

work for something

 

1. to work for a group, company, etc. Everyone at the picnic works for the same employer. We work for the telephone company.

2. . to work for a certain amount of money. She says she works for a very good wage. I won't work for that kind of pay.

3. to work for an intangible benefit, such as satisfaction, glory, honor, etc. The pay isn't very good. I just work for the fun of it. Sam says he works for the joy of working.

See also: work

work for

v.

1. To be employed by or work on behalf of someone or some organization: I've worked for the government for the past ten years. I started my own company, so now I work for myself.

2. To provide labor in exchange for something: The traveler didn't want any money; he said he would work for food.

3. To work on behalf of some cause: Our organization works for the humane treatment of animals.

4. To function or operate correctly when used by someone: The VCR always seems to work for me, but whenever someone else tries it, it freezes up. They should stick with the same strategy, because it worked for them last year.

5. To function or operate correctly when used for some purpose: The bug spray only works for mosquitoes.

6. To meet the requirements of someone; fit someone: Unless it has three bedrooms, I don't think the house will work for us. Can we find a restaurant that works for all of us?

7. To be appropriate for someone; befit someone: I'm not sure that color works for you.

See also: work