-work

See also: work

English

Etymology

From Middle English -work, -werk, from Old English -weorc, -ġeweorc, equivalent to English work. Compare also Saterland Frisian -werk, Dutch -werk, German -werk, Norwegian -verk.

Suffix

-work

1. Denoting a craft involving a particular material, tool, or practitioner

   Synonym: -craft

   masonwork

   metalwork

   needlework

   woodwork

2. Denoting a structure or work of art crafted chiefly from a given material

   ironwork

   paintwork

   stonework

   waxwork

3. Denoting the structure or mechanism of a given object.

   bridgework

   clockwork

   coachwork

   latticework

Derived terms

English terms suffixed with -work

Related terms

• wright