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

Up to 80 per cent of the legwork in every transfer Leeds complete will fall on Underwood. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 16 June 2025

Police legwork broke Mulcahy’s alibis, and advances in technology could now reveal his fingerprints on tape used to cover the mouths of his victims. —Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

In contrast, data removal services save time by handling the legwork for you. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025

As usual, Tiffin doesn't slap an MSRP on this one without requiring some legwork from interested parties (i.e. print out your configuration of choice and hoof it to the dealership). —New Atlas, 9 June 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