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
During this period, though the Sierra Club did put up some fights, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation benefitted from widespread populist enthusiasm for its public works projects.
—
Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 16 Sep. 2024
The city’s public works department has applied for additional funding to improve Safe Routes to School within disadvantaged communities.
—Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2024
City and state officials, utility workers and public works staff are already assessing storm damage, clearing streets and starting repairs.
—Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024
Orange County public works crews working in the area of Trabuco Canyon about 1 p.m. Monday unintentionally sparked the blaze while moving boulders.
—Nathaniel Percy, Orange County Register, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for public works 
Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 16 Sep. 2024
The city’s public works department has applied for additional funding to improve Safe Routes to School within disadvantaged communities.
—Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2024
City and state officials, utility workers and public works staff are already assessing storm damage, clearing streets and starting repairs.
—Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024
Orange County public works crews working in the area of Trabuco Canyon about 1 p.m. Monday unintentionally sparked the blaze while moving boulders.
—Nathaniel Percy, Orange County Register, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for public works
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'public works.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near public works
Cite this Entry
“Public works.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20works. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share