earthwork
/ˈɜːθ.wɜːk/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
An earthwork is a structure made from soil, stones, or other natural material. It is often built for defence, support, or landscaping.
- The old earthwork still marks the border.
- Workers repaired the earthwork after heavy rain.
- 2.
Earthworks are large building works that involve moving and shaping land before construction begins.
- The road project needs major earthworks.
- The site was closed during the earthworks.
Adinary Nuance
Earthwork is more specific than wall or mound. It means a structure made from earth, not just any built shape. In construction, earthworks usually means large land-moving jobs, while earthwork is the physical result or structure. Writers choose it when the soil itself is part of the structure or the work.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- công trình đất
- Spanish
- obra de tierra
- Chinese
- 土方工程
- Japanese
- 土塁
- Korean
- 토목 공사
Etymology
Earthwork comes from Old English roots: earth and work. It has been used in English for centuries to describe structures or construction made with soil and related material.
Common phrases
ancient earthworksdefensive earthworksmajor earthworksroad earthworks
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is earthwork a common word in everyday English?
- Not very. It is more common in history, archaeology, and construction writing.
- What is the difference between earthwork and earthworks?
- Earthwork is often the structure itself. Earthworks usually means large land-moving construction work.
- Can I use earthwork in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in archaeology, civil engineering, and historical writing.
- Is earthwork the same as a wall?
- No. A wall is usually made of stone, brick, or concrete. An earthwork is made mainly from earth.