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

Jay Lerner, the Park District’s executive director, said the district was the primary organizer with a lot of help on logistics from the city of Waukegan, including the police, fire and public works departments. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025

The county’s budget covers a variety of social services, the county’s landfills, the regional parks, the OC Sheriff’s Department, public works and more. —Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 24 June 2025

But concerns about one of the costliest public works projects in U.S. history shaping up to be a giant boondoggle date back more than 15 years. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025

And the administrator presides over all the county’s departments, which includes community services, engineering and public works, environmental resources management, parks and recreation, legislative affairs, housing and economic development, the tourist development council and more. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 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