handwork

noun

hand·​work ˈhand-ˌwərk 

: work done with the hands and not by machines : handiwork

handworker

ˈhand-ˌwər-kər 

noun

Examples of handwork in a Sentence

She wore a beaded dress that required many hours of handwork.

Recent Examples on the Web

The jacket is made in the house style with a natural shoulder and a soft, lightweight construction with full canvassing, and benefits from handwork at the chest, sleeves, and shoulders. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026

To think of the hours of handwork that went into these marvels of craftsmanship can break the brain, but such a peacocking of skill is also the whole point of this highest form of fashion. — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 7 July 2026

In total, the look required 4,340 hours of handwork. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

Other hearty greens, like collards and mustard greens, can benefit from a little handwork, too. — Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handwork

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

Kids Definition

handwork

noun

hand·​work ˈhan-ˌdwərk 

: work done with the hands and not by machine