public works

plural noun

: works (such as schools, highways, docks) constructed for public use or enjoyment especially when financed and owned by the government

Examples of public works in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An estimated 15,000 people were expected to attend the event, which was the first time the City of San Jose had organized a large festival-style event with a private organizer, according to a public works department spokesperson. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026

PennDOT and local public works crews were out spreading salt on Friday. —Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

The purchase list is handled by the Public Works Department on behalf of all city departments, including public works, utilities, land management, parks and recreation, neighborhood services, building maintenance and the police department. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Those cuts affected public services, like transportation, public works department staffing and overtime for first responders. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for public works

• ironworks
• masterworks
• waterworks
• artworks
• breastworks
• brickworks
• earthworks
• fireworks
• frameworks
• gasworks
• glassworks
• headworks

Kids Definition

public works

plural noun

: works (as schools, highways, or docks) constructed with public funds for public use