earthwork

noun

earth·​work ˈərth-ˌwərk 

1

: an embankment or other construction made of earth

especially : one used as a field fortification

2

: the operations connected with excavations and embankments of earth

3

: a work of art consisting of a portion of land modified by an artist

Examples of earthwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is around the same time that the first earthworks at Stonehenge were built, while the famous stones weren’t put in place until 500 years later. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

It's thought that people would have celebrated the solstice at the site around the same time as the very first earthworks were built at Stonehenge. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

The famous earthworks artist, with help from his team and volunteers, unveiled the piece to Lawrence and the Algerian community on Saturday to a crowd of over 800. —Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026

Lantern Light Magic End the day with the Lantern Light Tour at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, where the night sky transforms the ancient earthworks into an unforgettable experience. —Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for earthwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• falsework

Kids Definition

earthwork

noun

earth·​work -ˌwərk 

: something (as a raised bank or wall) constructed out of earth especially for protection