woodwork

American  

[wood-wurk] / ˈwʊdˌwɜrk /

noun

1. objects or parts made of wood.

2. the interior wooden fittings, especially of a house, as doors, stairways, or moldings.

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idioms

1. come out of the woodwork, to appear or materialize suddenly and unexpectedly.

   Since mortgage rates declined, prospective buyers have been coming out of the woodwork.

woodwork British  

/ ˈwʊdˌwɜːk /

noun

1. the art, craft, or skill of making things in wood; carpentry

2. components made of wood, such as doors, staircases, etc

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Etymology

Origin of woodwork

First recorded in 1640–50; wood ¹ + work

Example Sentences

“We’ve had people coming out of the woodwork, saying, ‘Gosh, I hope you can save this gem of West Virginia,’ ” Blake Rowling said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Many of the old tree sitters — white-haired and brimming with stories of Bari — have come out of the woodwork for the latest battle.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

In addition, bond buyers came out of the woodwork and pushed the long-dated yield back down again.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

At a recent exhibition in Mumbai city - called A History of India through Chairs - more than 200 chairs mapped the country's cultural history through their unique designs and woodwork.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

“Renovated the whole thing, did all the woodwork and stained glass herself. Incredible, isn’t it? Two stories, three bedrooms, two baths, great kitchen, skylights, wraparound decks on both floors. It’s a floating paradise.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Related Words

• molding
• paneling
• staircase