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

Senators from both parties questioned whether the department had done the legwork to justify such sweeping reductions. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 6 May 2025

Sellers do all of the legwork from photography to promotion to shipping. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 1 May 2025

As such, the other six outfield players are asked to do much of the legwork defensively while decluttering their passing lanes in transition, offering off-ball alternatives and safety-valve options for recirculation. —Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025

Websites like Ethical Consumer have done some of the legwork here to condense this information into score tables for devices like laptops and smartphones. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 22 Apr. 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