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the works

noun

Definition of the works

1 : the moving parts of a machine
  • the works of a clock
—sometimes used figuratively
  • The office used to be very efficient, but the new regulations have gummed up the works.
2 informal : everything that there is to have or do : everything that is available
  • They ordered a pizza with the works.
  • When we went to New York, we visited the museums, did some shopping, saw some shows—the whole works.

Word by Word Definitions

work play works

  1. : to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary

  2. : to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations

  3. : to exert oneself physically or mentally especially in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity

  1. : activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something:

  2. : activity that a person engages in regularly to earn a livelihood

  3. : a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity

  1. : suitable or styled for wear while working

  2. : used for work

  3. : involving or engaged in work

See the full definition of work

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