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

Officials from cities and counties across the state have been preparing funding requests to the Minnesota Legislature for 2026 state bonding dollars, matching funds for various infrastructure, higher education, environmental, public safety and other public works projects. —Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026

Within four months, 12 million feet of sewage pipe had been laid, 255,000 miles of road had been paved, and numerous other public works had been built or improved. —Philip K. Howard, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026

For those who go above their hours, Garden City paid out $305,000 in overtime in 2025, mostly for public works and law enforcement employees. —Scott McIntosh, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026

For a community of under 2,200 residents with a tiny tax base and small public works staff, there had been no practical way to deal with that problem. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 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