handiwork

[ han-dee-wurk ]

noun

1. work done by hand.
2. the characteristic quality of a particular doer or maker:

   In all of Mozart's music we discover the handiwork of a genius.

3. the result of work done by hand:

   woven mats and other handiwork.

handiwork

/ ˈhændɪˌwɜːk /

noun

1. work performed or produced by hand, such as embroidery or pottery
2. the result of the action or endeavours of a person or thing

Word History and Origins

Origin of handiwork¹

before 1000; Middle English handiwerk, Old English handgeweorc, variant of handweorc (cognate with German Handwerk ). See hand, y-, work

Word History and Origins

Origin of handiwork¹

Old English handgeweorc, from hand + geweorc, from ge- (collective prefix) + weorc work

Example Sentences

From L.A. to San Francisco Bay, from the Gold Country to the Wine Country, the California state parks system showcases a fabulous array of nature’s handiwork.

From Los Angeles Times

He typically photographs his handiwork and uploads it on social media.

From BBC

When the machine finished its handiwork, one hard rock fan somewhere in the world would have a pristine new copy of “Van Halen II.”

From Los Angeles Times

We’re not here to hide our healing handiwork as talented seamstresses would, making tiny, nearly invisible stitches secreted under seams or camouflaged by the denim’s color.

From Los Angeles Times

He brought that interest in handiwork to “The Taste of Things,” which opens in New York on Friday.

From New York Times

Related Words

• workmanship