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

Some maintenance workers would shift to the parks department and some to public works. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026

In the aftermath of that storm, Wu’s public works department failed to get rid of the snow fast enough to unclog side streets and sidewalks, leaving pedestrians and motorists navigating a dangerous situation in Boston for days. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

In Paterson, 40 public works trucks have been hitting the pavement since midday Sunday, according to the mayor. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026

The court oversees administrative services of the county government, including public works, health care services, facilities, budgets and more. —Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 24 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