outwork

1 of 2

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: work out, complete
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
No one will outwork him, or have more of a will to the truth. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026 But nobody was going to outwork me. — NBC news, 28 Dec. 2025
Noun
The way to be successful was to give it your all, outwork everyone else. — Sarah Barker, Outside Online, 6 July 2021 That drive to outwork each other has set the tone for Miami’s rookie class. — Kaitlyn Pohly july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025 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

Rhymes for outwork

See All Rhymes for outwork

Browse Nearby Words

out with it
outwork
outworker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwork. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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)
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