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 majority of the agreements — six — were signed by Michael Shaw, the city’s public works director, who is married to Parks-Shaw, the council member who was alerted to the 2022 allegation. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026

However, the pipes, pumps and other machinery — inherited from Yolo County after the city incorporated in 1987 — require replacement, said Rebecca Scott, the director of public works operations and maintenance director. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026

The community continues to grieve after a Huntington Woods, Michigan, public works employee was killed while cleaning up storm damage. —Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

Orange public works employees were back on the job Monday after reaching a tentative agreement with the city and bringing a close to the strike that began earlier this month. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 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