public works

SEE SYNONYMS FOR public works ON THESAURUS.COM

plural noun

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

Origin of public works

First recorded in 1670–80

Words nearby public works

public spending, public statute, public television, public transport, public utility, public works, public works administration, public-access television, public-address system, public-interest group, public-interest law

Example sentences from the Web for public works

British Dictionary definitions for public works

public works

pl n

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

Cultural definitions for public works

public works

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.)