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

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

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

However, the city’s infrastructure plan does offer a framework for assessing the damage and prioritizing projects, and using charter reform to create a public works director position with greater authority.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 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

Caught up in another case of suspected corruption for public works contracts, he has been forced to step down from the key party position.

From Barron's ● Apr. 7, 2026

The chief’s hut looked like any other hut, there were no bureaucrats or public works, the chief redistributed most goods he received back to the commoners, and land was controlled by the community.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond