work in

British  

verb

1. to insert or become inserted

   she worked the patch in carefully

2. (tr) to find space for

   I'll work this job in during the day

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noun

1. a form of industrial action in which a factory that is to be closed down is occupied and run by its workers

work in Idioms  

1. Insert or introduce, as in As part of their presentation they worked in a request for funding the exhibit . Similarly, work into means “insert or introduce into something else,” as in She worked more flour into the mixture . [Late 1600s]

2. Make time for in a schedule, as in The dentist said he would try to work her in this morning . Here, too, work into is sometimes used, as in She had to work two emergency cases into her morning schedule . [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

The dust at this busy recycling plant is pervasive and the steady noise of hoppers and conveyor belts makes this a challenging environment to work in.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

People who work in particular industries, such as forestry or farming, are particularly at risk.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

When asked about his work in Von Ormy, he said, “I can’t because it’s all tied in.”

From Salon • May 3, 2026

Maureen Orth is a longtime magazine journalist whose work in Vanity Fair tackled the power and privilege of celebrity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

We have been told, as we expected, that my father and I will work in the quarry.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman

Related Words

• break
• break off
• cut off
• cut short
• delay
• discontinue
• disturb
• halt
• heckle
• hinder
• hold up
• impede
• prevent
• punctuate
• stop
• suspend