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work-study

American  
[wurk-stuhd-ee] / ˈwɜrkˈstʌd i /

noun

  1. a type of financial aid in which students are hired for part-time jobs, usually by their college, and often for work on campus.

    I was lucky enough to be a research assistant for work-study, unlike my roommate who had to work in the cafeteria.


adjective

  1. of or relating to such a job associated with a college or university.

work-study British  

noun

  1. an examination of ways of finding the most efficient method of doing a job, esp in terms of time and effort

"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

Etymology

Origin of work-study

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To qualify, Georgians had to prove that they work, study or volunteer at least 80 hours a month.

From Salon • Sep. 29, 2025

Enver Soloman, chief executive of Refugee Council, criticised the plan, saying that "the solution is faster, fairer decisions and safe housing in communities, so refugees can work, study and rebuild their lives".

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025

The vast majority of UK immigration is legal - this includes people who have been granted permission to come to work, study, claim asylum or for other authorised purposes.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles turned to the Jesuits to use a corporate work study program employed at a Chicago high school to subsidize Catholic tuition.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2024

We were busy almost all the time, with work, study, resolving disputes.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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