legwork

noun

leg·​work ˈleg-ˌwərk 

 also  ˈlāg-

: active physical work (as in gathering information) that forms the basis of more creative or mentally exacting work (such as writing a book)

Examples of legwork in a Sentence

I wrote the article myself, but my assistant gathered the information and did most of the other legwork.

Recent Examples on the Web

But with some in the role now stepping back down into PA jobs, people who once might have been interested in taking the AD path can feel that there aren’t enough opportunities to merit all the legwork. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025

And while popular American star Ben Shelton was playing on Ashe—just a few steps from the practice desk—getting everywhere else on site features a bit more legwork. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

See the full setlist here The music does a lot of the legwork, stadium-ready with massive, no-frills choruses begging to be sung back to him by hoards of devotees. —Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025

For lenders, the program eliminates much of the legwork involved in finding borrowers likely to refi. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legwork

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

Kids Definition

legwork

noun

leg·​work ˈleg-ˌwərk 

: the work involved in gathering information