formwork

American  

[fawrm-wurk] / ˈfɔrmˌwɜrk /

noun

1. the structure of boards, bolts, etc., composing a form for poured-concrete or rammed-earth construction.

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formwork British  

/ ˈfɔːmˌwɜːk /

noun

1. Also called (esp Brit): shuttering.  an arrangement of wooden boards, bolts, etc, used to shape reinforced concrete while it is setting

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Etymology

Origin of formwork

First recorded in 1915–20; form + work

Example Sentences

At the beginning, formwork leaked on a door, and it looked terrible.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

When Andrade began casting the house’s first concrete columns and lintels in 2013, plywood formwork also began appearing in his artistic practice.

From New York Times • Aug. 10, 2022

Tight spaces and formwork inside the bridge prevent crews from reaching the wet slurry with wand-shaped vibrators.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 14, 2022

With the seven-foot sled half inside the tent, Ousland took a four-inch formwork nail, chosen for its double-head that makes for a surer grip with a Leatherman, and heated it over a stove flame.

From National Geographic • Dec. 24, 2020

It is also wise at least as a matter of precaution for the contractor to secure the engineer's or the architect's approval before removing any formwork.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers