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
1
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."
"John did all the legwork. He had the invitations printed and mailed. He found speakers."
— Jerry Acuff, The Relationship Edge in Business (2004)
How to use legwork
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- legworks
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
