outwork

1 of 2

verb

out·​work ˌau̇t-ˈwərk How to pronounce outwork (audio)
outworked; outworking; outworks

transitive verb

1
2
: to work harder, faster, or better than

outwork

2 of 2

noun

out·​work ˈau̇t-ˌwərk How to pronounce outwork (audio)
: a minor defensive position constructed outside a fortified area

Examples of outwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
At an event at a vineyard in Hollis, N.H., later that day, with attendees shielded under umbrellas as rain poured from the sky, Ms. Haley expressed optimism, promising to outwork her rivals. Jazmine Ulloa, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2023 The Patriots need to be more consistent, more attentive to detail, and need to outwork their opponents. Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 26 July 2023
Noun
That identity, Rich said, is going to be to outwork teams, to spread people out and rely on its depth. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 12 Sep. 2023 Yet, in recent years his hustle, and ability to outwork opponents on the glass, has made that viewpoint irrelevant. Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 3 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for outwork 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outwork was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near outwork

Cite this Entry

“Outwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwork. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

outwork

1 of 2 verb
out·​work (ˈ)au̇t-ˈwərk How to pronounce outwork (audio)
: to outdo in working

outwork

2 of 2 noun
out·​work ˈau̇t-ˌwərk How to pronounce outwork (audio)
: a small protected position constructed outside a main defense (as a castle)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!