public works

American  

plural noun

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

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public works British  

plural noun

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

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public works Cultural  

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.)

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Etymology

Origin of public works

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Those who refuse say they are denied the chance to participate in public works schemes, often the only local work available.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

"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 • Feb. 22, 2026

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 • Jan. 19, 2026

When public works want something, they schedule another hearing.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 25, 2025

In the 1930s and early 1940s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt began to roll out the New Deal—a massive public works and investment program designed to lift the nation out of a severe depression.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander