Search Dictionary
Definition of earthwork

earthwork

/ˈɜːrθ.wɜːrk/
earth · work
Plural:earthworks
JUMP TO:

earthwork Lexical Profile

earthwork Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large-scale outdoor sculpture or artistic installation created by shaping the natural landscape along with soil, rocks, and organic materials.

Example

"Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty in Utah is a famous example of a modern monumental earthwork."

2

The engineering process of excavating, moving, and shaping large quantities of soil or unformed rock during construction.

Example

"Heavy rain delayed the initial earthwork required to level the site for the new highway."

3

A large artificial bank, mound, or trench of soil constructed as an ancient monument, a defensive fortification, or part of a civil engineering project.

Example

"Archaeologists surveyed the ancient earthwork that still encircled the hilltop settlement."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for earthwork

• Nearby Words

earthshattering
earthward
earthwax
earthwork
earthworm
earthy
earwax

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century as a compound of the Old English roots 'eorthe' (soil, ground) and 'weorc' (construction, fortification).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Earthwork. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/earthwork
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.