Definition of work
1
:activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something:
a
:sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
b
:activity that a person engages in regularly to earn a livelihood
- people looking for work
c
:a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity
2 a
:energy expended by natural phenomena
b
:the result of such energy
- sand dunes are the work of sea and wind
c
:the transference of energy that is produced by the motion of the point of application of a force and is measured by multiplying the force and the displacement of its point of application in the line of action
3 a
:something that results from a particular manner or method of working, operating, or devising
- careful police work
- clever camera work
b
:something that results from the use or fashioning of a particular material
- porcelain work
4 a
:a fortified structure (such as a fort, earthen barricade, or trench)
b
works plural
:structures in engineering (such as docks, bridges, or embankments) or mining (such as shafts or tunnels)
6
:one's place of employment
- didn't go to work today
7
works plural
:the working or moving parts of a mechanism
- the works of a clock
8 a
:something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill
- this book is the work of many hands
b
:something produced by the exercise of creative talent or expenditure of creative effort :artistic production
- an early work by a major writer
9
works plural
:performance of moral or religious acts
- salvation by works
b
:manner of working :workmanship, execution
11
:the material or piece of material that is operated upon at any stage in the process of manufacture
12
works plural
a
:everything possessed, available, or belonging
- the whole works, rod, reel, tackle box, went overboard
- ordered pizza with the works
b
:subjection to drastic treatment :all possible abuse
—usually used with get or give
- get the works
- gave them the works
—
at work
1
:engaged in working :busy;
especially
:engaged in one's regular occupation
2
:having effect :operating, functioning
—
in the works
:in process of preparation, development, or completion
—
in work
1
:in process of being done
2
of a horse
:in training
