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openwork

American  
[oh-puhn-wurk] / ˈoʊ pənˌwɜrk /

noun

  1. any kind of work, especially ornamental, as of embroidery, lace, metal, stone, or wood, having a latticelike nature or showing openings through its substance.

openwork British  
/ ˈəʊpənˌwɜːk /

noun

  1. ornamental work, as of metal or embroidery, having a pattern of openings or holes

"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

Etymology

Origin of openwork

First recorded in 1590–1600; open + work

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.

According to the exhibition catalog, “Aso Oke” was inspired by the handwoven openwork fabric of Nigeria’s Yoruba people, as well as the drooping fila gobi ceremonial cap worn by Yoruba men.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

On the back of the late Roman vessel, Meredith noticed abstract openwork shapes carved alongside a short inscription wishing the owner a long life.

From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025

This show explores European lace which, like all lace, is a textile that involves no weaving and has openwork structure.

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2022

More for style than sun protection, some models paraded with cannage hats, an openwork grid pattern favoured by Christian Dior that was also found on padded long coats in blue and khaki green.

From Reuters • Jun. 24, 2022

Then they pulled on their beautiful white stockings, that they had knit of fine cotton thread in lacy, openwork patterns, and they buttoned up their best shoes.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.