noun

works

Translation

factory, collected pieces of writing or art, mechanism, public construction projects

He got a job at the local steel works.

I'm reading the complete works of Jane Austen.

The clock's works are very intricate.

((the)) works ((of sb.)) the collected creations of someone The gallery displays the early works of Picasso.

((a/the)) ... works a place of industry He works at the local water works.

Synonyms: factory, plant, mill (for factory); writings, oeuvre (for collected writings)

From Old English 'weorc' (deed, action). The plural form developed specific meanings like 'factory' or 'collected writings'.

Think of 'works' as 'a collection of things that have been worked on' – either materials in a factory or words by an author.