fieldwork

noun

field·​work ˈfēld-ˌwərk 

1

: a temporary fortification thrown up by an army in the field

2

: work done in the field (as by students) to gain practical experience and knowledge through firsthand observation

3

: the gathering of anthropological or sociological data through the interviewing and observation of subjects in the field

field-worker

ˈfēld-ˌwər-kər 

noun

Examples of fieldwork in a Sentence

an anthropologist who has done fieldwork in the South Pacific

Recent Examples on the Web

But Wright’s fieldwork largely predates the AI shock that has breathed new life into this push. —Catherine Thorbecke, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

For mining companies in the early stages of exploration, the advantages set forth by mature regions can shape both initial fieldwork and long-term development planning. —William Jones, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

But Wright’s fieldwork largely predates the AI shock that has breathed new life into this push. —Catherine Thorbecke, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026

The study was led by Peter Larsen, co-director of the Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO), whose interest in the topic was partly shaped by firsthand fieldwork. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fieldwork

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