legwork

noun

leg·​work ˈleg-ˌwərk 

also ˈlāg-

: active physical work (as in gathering information) that forms the basis of more creative or mentally exacting work (such as writing a book)

Examples of legwork in a Sentence

I wrote the article myself, but my assistant gathered the information and did most of the other legwork.

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, do as much of the legwork as possible on your own; don’t rely on the agent to do it for you. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026

Fortunately, some students decided to share them online to give the rest of us a better look and save us the legwork. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026

Tours span the globe, with popular options in Japan, Iceland, Jordan, and Torres del Paine—all locations that require a bit more legwork to plan out, making a tour a nice, low-stress option. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026

Our two contenders feature this silk number with a careful pleat design (does far more legwork than any performance velvet throw in the same shade). —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legwork

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

Kids Definition

legwork

noun

leg·​work ˈleg-ˌwərk 

: the work involved in gathering information