public works

plural noun

: works (such as schools, highways, docks) constructed for public use or enjoyment especially when financed and owned by the government

Examples of public works in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With a few hours of rain, Christopher Miranda, Key Biscayne’s public works director, said there can be six inches to more than a foot of water on the street. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

As part of another reorganization effort, the city created a public works department that groups park maintenance workers with street department workers. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

After heavy rainfall in the area, the sinkhole developed on the 96-year-old bridge in the 1600 block of John Brown Road, Franklin County public works director Jeff Welton told the outlet. —Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

Another 173 acres host Arden Hills City Hall, and public works facilities utilized by the city, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Ramsey County. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for public works

• ironworks
• masterworks
• waterworks
• artworks
• breastworks
• brickworks
• earthworks
• fireworks
• frameworks
• gasworks
• glassworks
• headworks

Kids Definition

public works

plural noun

: works (as schools, highways, or docks) constructed with public funds for public use