English

Noun

works

1. plural of work

works pl ‎(plural only)

1. A mechanism or machine; the means by which something happens.

   A stray wrench can really gum up the works.‎

2. A factory or factories, or similar collection(s) of buildings.

   The steel works almost fills the valley.‎

   • 1918, W. B. Maxwell, chapter 22, in The Mirror and the Lamp:

     In the autumn there was a row at some cement works about the unskilled labour men. A union had just been started for them and all but a few joined. One of these blacklegs was laid for by a picket and knocked out of time.

3. (with "the") Everything or everything that is available or possible; especially, all available toppings on food.

   I'll have a Behemoth Burger with the works.‎

4. (with "the") Drastic treatment; abuse; the axe (dismissal).

   Why did Constantinople get the works?‎

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

works

1. third-person singular simple present indicative form of work

See also

• in the works
• the whole nine yards
• the whole shebang

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