at work

phrase

1

: engaged in working : busy

especially : engaged in one's regular occupation

2

: having an effect or influence

… a way of saying that no matter how terrible the world may seem, there is a hidden benign force at work that guarantees the eventual triumph of good …

—O. B. Hardison, Jr.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for at work

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork