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

See Examples For:

formwork

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2026

Construction began on the pavilion in 2020 and is currently in “Phase 3” — creating the building shell, installing large windows and making formwork for habitats — according to the aquarium’s website.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 11, 2023

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

Mr. Tor and Mr. Saarinen stood together under the terminal’s 6,000-ton roof in 1960, just after the formwork and scaffolding needed for the concrete pour had been removed.

From New York Times ● Feb. 17, 2017

The various illustrations of actual formwork which follow are the best guides to good practice.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers