public works

plural noun

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

public works

plural noun

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

public works

1. 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 .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of public works¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Greens also were less than enthusiastic about new massive public works.

From The Daily Beast

By April 17, Warhol had written a letter to the Department of Public Works authorizing that the mural be painted over.

From The Daily Beast

The Affordable Care Act is the single most important public works program of the Obama administration.

From The Daily Beast

The Public Works Administration was a centerpiece of the New Deal.

From The Daily Beast

On July 8, 1933, Ickes was named to the post of Federal Emergency Administrator of Public Works.

From The Daily Beast

These assets do not include new legislative buildings or other public works.

From Project Gutenberg

The labourers on the public works were paid from one shilling to one shilling and sixpence per day.

From Project Gutenberg

The Roman Catholic chapels, and the ways of access to them, were also treated as "public works."

From Project Gutenberg

By donations for public works, and "general presentments," Sir Robert Peel also prepared for the coming disaster.

From Project Gutenberg

In the process of time, the State failed to procure money to carry on the public works.

From Project Gutenberg