public works

See synonyms for public works on Thesaurus.com

plural noun

structures, as roads, dams, or post offices, paid for by government funds for public use.

Origin of public works

First recorded in 1670–80

Words Nearby public works

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use public works in a sentence

Nearly a year and a half later, the sprung structure tent sits unused at a public works facility.
Chula Vista to Foundation: Nah, You Can Keep Your Homeless Shelter Tent | Lisa Halverstadt | October 8, 2021 | Voice of San Diego
In Pierce County, Washington, public works crews used sand and water trucks to control temperatures on the roads.
Five ways the Pacific Northwest heatwave is breaking cities’ infrastructure | Camille Squires | June 30, 2021 | Quartz
Before the city made cuts to its public works staffing, those requests took seven working days.
Lemon Grove Once Again Facing Bitter Choices Over Its Future | Bella Ross | January 8, 2021 | Voice of San Diego
Greens also were less than enthusiastic about new massive public works.
Time to Bring Back the Truman Democrats | Joel Kotkin | December 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
By April 17, Warhol had written a letter to the Department of public works authorizing that the mural be painted over.
The Most Wanted Warhol: A Scandal at the 1964 World’s Fair | Jessica Dawson | April 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

The Affordable Care Act is the single most important public works program of the Obama administration.
Obama Finds Healthcare.gov’s New Hero | Daniel Gross | October 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The public works Administration was a centerpiece of the New Deal.
Obama Finds Healthcare.gov’s New Hero | Daniel Gross | October 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
On July 8, 1933, Ickes was named to the post of Federal Emergency Administrator of public works.
Obama Finds Healthcare.gov’s New Hero | Daniel Gross | October 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
These assets do not include new legislative buildings or other public works.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 | Various
The labourers on the public works were paid from one shilling to one shilling and sixpence per day.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. | E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
The Roman Catholic chapels, and the ways of access to them, were also treated as "public works."
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. | E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
By donations for public works, and "general presentments," Sir Robert Peel also prepared for the coming disaster.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. | E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
In the process of time, the State failed to procure money to carry on the public works.
Speech of John Hossack, Convicted of a Violation of the Fugitive Slave Law | John Hossack

British Dictionary definitions for public works

public works

pl n

engineering projects and other constructions, financed and undertaken by a government for the community

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for public works

public works

Public facilities and improvements financed by the government for the public good. Public works include hospitals, bridges, highways, and dams. These projects may be funded by local, state, or federal appropriations. (See also pork-barrel legislation.)

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