noun

legwork

LEHG-wurk

Legwork (noun) means Practical groundwork, research, or preparation that takes real time and effort, often literally involving travel or walking. Example: “The journalist did months of legwork before publishing the story.”

noun

Practical groundwork, research, or preparation that takes real time and effort, often literally involving travel or walking.

"The journalist did months of legwork before publishing the story."

"We've done the legwork — now we just need approval to start the project."

How to use legwork

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe tiring, practical preparation or research behind a task, especially the kind that requires getting up and doing things in person.

Common pairings

do the legwork months of legwork

Word forms

legworks plural

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The journalist did months of _____ before publishing the story.

Etymology

From leg plus work.

Frequently asked questions

What does “legwork” mean?

The word “legwork” means practical groundwork, research, or preparation that takes real time and effort, often literally involving travel or walking. In plain terms, the tiring, practical preparation or research behind a task, especially the kind that requires getting up and doing things in person.

How do you pronounce “legwork”?

“Legwork” is pronounced LEHG-wurk (/ˈlɛɡˌwɝk/ in IPA).

How do you use “legwork” in a sentence?

Here is “legwork” used in a sentence: “The journalist did months of legwork before publishing the story.”

What part of speech is “legwork”?

“Legwork” is a noun.