public works

plural noun

: works (such as schools, highways, docks) constructed for public use or enjoyment especially when financed and owned by the government

Examples of public works in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Board of Supervisors, the county’s five-member governing body, oversees a budget of nearly $11 billion and 18,000 employees across various departments, including public health, public safety, social services, animal care and public works. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 3 June 2026

Social media posts appear to show groups of men, not affiliated with any public works crews, climbing out of manholes in various Brooklyn neighborhoods last week. —Tom Winter, NBC news, 1 June 2026

City officials determined which potholes would be filled based on recommendations from the eight City Council offices, pavement condition data, service requests submitted by residents and public works field inspections. —Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026

Instead, after all the cuts are made, schools will have to fight over whatever revenue remains with law enforcement, fire departments and other first responders, public works and emergency management officials. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for public works

• ironworks
• masterworks
• waterworks
• artworks
• breastworks
• brickworks
• earthworks
• fireworks
• frameworks
• gasworks
• glassworks
• headworks

Kids Definition

public works

plural noun

: works (as schools, highways, or docks) constructed with public funds for public use