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 land use and environment group — which oversees planning, parks, public works and libraries, among other services — would lose nine full-time positions. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025

With widespread shortages across aviation, utilities, logistics and public works, many organizations are forced to finalize staffing schedules farther in advance. —Jim Foerster, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Oakland’s public works and fire departments use the same handheld models as the police, but officials said Friday that only the police are pursuing encryption. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025

For McGovern, this was the way to fight the Cold War—by improving the nutritional health of many millions of people while launching essential public works projects that otherwise might have gone undone. — Made By History, Time, 23 Apr. 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