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

Since joining Irvine City Hall in 2023, Crumby has been overseeing public works, transportation and sustainability operations, including the $1 billion development of the Great Park. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025

But others have apparently viewed the Olympics as a chance to exploit; two men were arrested this month on charges of trying to illegally obtain public works contract and control nightlife and drug dealing in Cortina, according to prosecutors in Venice. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025

The general fund also pays for parks, trash pickup, public works, code enforcement, and the county’s administrators and management staff, according to budget documents. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025

Artists can go further still, turning public works against themselves. —Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025

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