Work

/wɜːrk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.
He has to do a lot of work to finish his project on time.
A task or set of tasks that require effort and diligence.
Her work at the library involves organizing books and helping patrons.
The result or outcome of an activity or effort, especially something produced.
The artist's latest work has received critical acclaim.
Employment or a job; the responsibilities associated with a position.
She enjoys her work as a teacher because she loves helping students learn.
verb
To engage in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a result.
I need to work on my presentation for tomorrow.
To function or operate, as in a machine or a system.
The car doesn't work properly when it's cold.
To exert effort or skills in a particular task or job.
He works very hard to meet his clients' needs.
To have an effect; to produce a desired result.
I hope this new strategy will work for the business.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'weorc', from Proto-Germanic 'werkan' (to work).

Common Phrases and Expressions

work out
To exercise or to solve a problem.
work it out
To discuss or negotiate a resolution to a problem.
work on
To put effort into developing or improving something.
work for a living
To engage in employment in order to earn an income.

Related Words

worker
A person who does manual or non-manual work.
workplace
The location where someone works.
workflow
The sequence of processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.

Slang Meanings

To put in a lot of effort or energy.
She really worked it on stage during the performance.
To be successful in achieving something.
He's working the system to get ahead in his career.