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

Costs for the architect and resident’s legwork aren’t public record, but the home’s mention in Alex Gorlin’s Creating the New American Townhouse speak to Petrarca’s remodeling influences. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025

Getting all of these elements right requires a lot of legwork upfront and continuous observation and adjustment. —Vinod Sivagnanam, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The addition of a boldface name to a doc title creates buzz and involves little to no legwork for the celebrity. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 8 Dec. 2024

Much of this legwork involves production, planning strategically, conducting market research, having a solid marketing and visibility plan, and setting systems, software, and automation in place. —Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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