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

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

The gown reportedly required 25 seamstresses and more than four months of meticulous handwork to complete. — Eloise Moran, InStyle, 1 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