public works

American  

plural noun

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

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public works British  

plural noun

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

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public works Cultural  

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of public works

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public works

Local governments tend to divert the cash into white-elephant public works.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

That meant governments had to compensate people if public works like roads and aerodromes affected the value of property.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Foley said she’d had many meetings with public works officials about the issue over the last couple of months.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

Two blocks of municipal land, including the village office, council chambers, public works facilities, and a recreation center, sit directly above a former mine site.

From Science Daily ● May 6, 2026

Much of Wayna Qhapaq’s time was devoted to organizing the empire’s public works projects.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann