earthwork
noun
earth·work
ˈərth-ˌwərk 
1
: an embankment or other construction made of earth
especially
: one used as a field fortification
2
: the operations connected with excavations and embankments of earth
3
: a work of art consisting of a portion of land modified by an artist
Examples of earthwork in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to those standards and Google Earth elevation data, that could require earthwork to raise the ground of the Unicoi site by at least 8 feet and as much as 18 feet before construction.
—
Brett Kelman, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Residents allege that approving earthwork without a site plan prevents meaningful public review and undermines environmental and infrastructure protections, court documents state.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
As the seat of the Kingdom of Benin, the city was renowned for monumental earthworks and extraordinary bronze artistry.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
The Hopewell made even more elaborate burial mounds and earthworks, and expanded on what the Adena had established.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earthwork
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Brett Kelman, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Residents allege that approving earthwork without a site plan prevents meaningful public review and undermines environmental and infrastructure protections, court documents state.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
As the seat of the Kingdom of Benin, the city was renowned for monumental earthworks and extraordinary bronze artistry.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
The Hopewell made even more elaborate burial mounds and earthworks, and expanded on what the Adena had established.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earthwork
Cite this Entry
“Earthwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthwork. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthwork
noun
earth·work
-ˌwərk
: something (as a raised bank or wall) constructed out of earth especially for protection
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