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

Those dollars would be used to fund KCK and county services, like local law enforcement, public works and the city fire department. — Sofi Zeman july 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

In a recent study, researchers Larissa Petrucci and Matthew Hinkel found that Sacramento County public works projects led by unionized contractors were less expensive and more on-time than those led by non-union contractors. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026

East Dundee is in the midst of a public works project that officials hope will resolve flooding and erosion issues near Lions Park, which residents say have become progressively worse over the decades. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Weighed down by higher energy prices and a property market collapse, the Chinese economy is getting offsetting help from public works spending, a surge in high-tech manufacturing and booming exports. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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