outwork

1 of 2

verb

out·​work ˌau̇t-ˈwərk 

outworked; outworking; outworks

transitive verb

1

: work out, complete

2

: to work harder, faster, or better than

outwork

2 of 2

noun

out·​work ˈau̇t-ˌwərk 

: a minor defensive position constructed outside a fortified area

Examples of outwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Wease is a vertical receiver who won’t outrun the coverage but can outwork them for the football. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025

For years, the pride derived from castoffs other teams had tossed aside, plugging them into a system that demanded his players outwork the opposition. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025

Noun

In the absence of elite offensive creation, the Fever have to outwork opponents, a trait that will benefit them when Clark comes back. —Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 29 May 2025

This group still has a ton of offensive talent and will score a lot of goals, but decisions were made to build a third line that could outwork opponents as opposed to adding more high-end skill and to add steady two-way defenders instead of one-way skill types. —Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1615, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outwork

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

Kids Definition

outwork

1 of 2 verb

out·​work (ˈ)au̇t-ˈwərk 

: to outdo in working

outwork

2 of 2 noun

out·​work ˈau̇t-ˌwərk 

: a small protected position constructed outside a main defense (as a castle)