Synonyms

public works

American

plural noun

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

public works British

plural noun

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

"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

public works Cultural

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.)

Etymology

Origin of public works

First recorded in 1670–80

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.

Permitting reform needed for energy and public works?

From The Wall Street Journal

"We ask everyone to plan ahead, stay safe and warm, and stay off the roads to help our public works and public safety efforts," Wu said.

From Barron's

That figure includes local-government spending on public works, which is weighed down by mountains of debt hidden off official balance sheets.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Pretty much if you work for the city of Pasadena, you’re working either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, whether you’re police, fire or public works,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

On Sunday, county public works crews constructed a temporary bridge essentially out of dirt, according to Capt. Shawn Millerick, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023