woodwork

noun

wood·​work ˈwu̇d-ˌwərk How to pronounce woodwork (audio)
1
: work made of wood
especially : interior fittings (such as moldings or stairways) of wood
2
: a place or state of concealment, seclusion, or anonymity
witnesses came out of the woodwork when a reward was offered

Example Sentences

We painted the walls white and the woodwork red. The kick hit the woodwork.
Recent Examples on the Web Since our first story ran, a lot of people who have known Santos have come out of the woodwork. Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2023 They are being told by their uncles, by their trainers, by people who show up out of the woodwork. al, 1 Feb. 2023 Those in AI Ethics are stridently concerned about snake oil uses that are going to come out of the woodwork. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2023 Painting existing woodwork in playful shades—as in the powder room—helped transform spaces simply, as did wallpaper in the bedrooms. Allison Duncan, House Beautiful, 9 Jan. 2023 The interiors have custom woodwork and stonework, Ms. Hillgrube said, as well as a spiral staircase in the great room that leads to a second-floor loft. Sarah Paynter, WSJ, 19 Dec. 2022 Winter Arts and Crafts Sale / Multnomah Arts Center Multnomah Arts Center Association welcomes the public to a show of ceramics, textiles, jewelry, prints, paintings, woodwork and other media by more than 50 area artists. oregonlive, 30 Nov. 2022 Holiday visitors can also take in the year-round attractions of the Pabst's Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture and design, including high-ceiling rooms, ornate woodwork and an extensive art collection. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2022 Inside, the Central Coast abode appears cozy, clad with custom tile, woodwork and high ceilings. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'woodwork.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of woodwork was circa 1609

Dictionary Entries Near woodwork

Cite this Entry

“Woodwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woodwork. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

woodwork

noun
wood·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce woodwork (audio)
: work made of wood
especially : interior fittings (as window frames or stairways) of wood
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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