earthwork

noun

earth·​work ˈərth-ˌwərk 

1

: an embankment or other construction made of earth

especially : one used as a field fortification

2

: the operations connected with excavations and embankments of earth

3

: a work of art consisting of a portion of land modified by an artist

Examples of earthwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Khiam, about 5 kilometers north of the border, swathes of green have turned brown after Israeli earthwork. —Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

The earthwork will be promoted along with the city’s annual summer art program. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026

Lantern Light Magic End the day with the Lantern Light Tour at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, where the night sky transforms the ancient earthworks into an unforgettable experience. —Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Near the bluff-top Gregory House, river views and Civil War earthworks add a layer of living history to the climb. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for earthwork

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

Kids Definition

earthwork

noun

earth·​work -ˌwərk 

: something (as a raised bank or wall) constructed out of earth especially for protection