Works

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /wɜːks/
• GenAm IPA: /wɝks/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)ks

Noun

plural

1. Plural of work.
2. (plurale tantum) A mechanism or machine; the means by which something happens.
   A stray wrench can really gum up the works.
3. (plurale tantum) A factory or factories, or similar collection(s) of buildings.
   The steel works almost fills the valley.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 22, In the autumn there was a row at some cement works about the unskilled labour men. A union had just been started for them and all but a few joined. One of these blacklegs was laid for by a picket and knocked out of time.
4. (plurale tantum, with "the") Everything or everything that is available or possible; especially, all available toppings on food.
   I'll have a Behemoth Burger with the works.
5. (plurale tantum, with "the") Drastic treatment; abuse; the axe (dismissal).
   Why did Constantinople get the works?
6. (plurale tantum) Acts associated with moral or religious standing.
   His works displayed his righteousness.

Derived terms

Verb

1. works

   (third-person singular of work)