woodwork

noun

wood·​work ˈwu̇d-ˌwərk 

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

Examples of woodwork in a Sentence

We painted the walls white and the woodwork red.

The kick hit the woodwork.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unfortunate not to score a second, hitting the woodwork following a cheeky backheel from Bronze. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026

This thoughtful design provides more exhibit space, does not alter the site lines of the 1904-1907 architecture and provides a safety barrier without alteration of the original oak woodwork. —Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

New Zealand was denied twice by VAR, four times by the woodwork and repeatedly by Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam who was outstanding in a hard-working defense. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

Belden House respectfully maintains countless of the house’s architectural details, such as fireplaces, chandeliers, sconces, and woodwork, while elevating it with great refinement—think custom wallcoverings, playful fabrics of stripes, and warm velvets—for modern connoisseurs. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing woodwork

• come/crawl out of the woodwork
• fade into the woodwork
• into the woodwork

Rhymes for woodwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids Definition

woodwork

noun

wood·​work -ˌwərk 

: work made of wood

especially : interior fittings (as window frames or stairways) of wood