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work

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noun American English pronunciation: work /wɜrk/ 
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singularwork
pluralworks
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [uncountable] a job that someone is paid to do

    I started work when I was sixteen.

    find work (=get a job):

    Many of the people facing downsizing believe they will never find work again.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    1. a.
      the things that you do as part of your job

      Her work will include planting trees and caring for animals.

      Employees may take work home if they wish.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    2. b.
      the time that someone spends doing their job

      We rehearse for a few hours every day after work.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  2. 2
    [uncountable] activity that involves physical or mental effort

    I know you've got a lot of work to do.

    Thank you for all your hard work.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  4. 4
    [uncountable] something that someone makes or does in their job

    Carol and her subcommittee did some nice work on the document.

    piece of work:

    It's not the best piece of work you've ever done.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    1. a.
      [countable/uncountable] something produced by a writer, painter, musician, or other artist

      Our final-year students invite you to an exhibition of their work.

      work of:

      This is a minor but moving work of literature.

      a study of the life and works of Baudelaire

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  5. 5
    [uncountable/plural] the repairing and building of something. You can also talk about works, and this has the same meaning

    There will be no disruption of traffic while the work is carried out.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  6. 6
    [uncountable] cosmetic surgery

    I think she's had some work done.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of work

phrases

This is the American English definition of work. View British English definition of work.

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View the pronunciation for work.

 

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