earthwork

noun

earth·​work ˈərth-ˌwərk 

1

: an embankment or other construction made of earth

especially : one used as a field fortification

2

: the operations connected with excavations and embankments of earth

3

: a work of art consisting of a portion of land modified by an artist

Examples of earthwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This technique minimizes earthwork and avoids damaging tree roots. —New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2025

Effigy Mounds preserves 200 or so prehistoric earthworks that were built by pre-Columbian people. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 19 Feb. 2025

Koko Bayer has filmed footage of most of her grandfather’s major sculptures and earthworks since 2019 for an in-progress documentary. —Andrew Travers, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025

In the 1970s, Smithson began making earthworks, the art pieces that would define his career. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for earthwork

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

Kids Definition

earthwork

noun

earth·​work -ˌwərk 

: something (as a raised bank or wall) constructed out of earth especially for protection