SINCE 1828
the works
nounDefinition 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.
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