legwork
noun
leg·work
ˈleg-ˌwərk 
also ˈlāg-
: active physical work (as in gathering information) that forms the basis of more creative or mentally exacting work (such as writing a book)
Examples of legwork in a Sentence
I wrote the article myself, but my assistant gathered the information and did most of the other legwork.
Recent Examples on the Web
This tactic leaves plenty of legwork for Karnišovas in the future.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
When weighing one or the other, assess which option will result in you owing the least amount in taxes, while also assessing the legwork involved in switching over from one status to another.
—Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 6 Feb. 2026
In other words, do as much of the legwork as possible on your own; don’t rely on the agent to do it for you.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Fortunately, some students decided to share them online to give the rest of us a better look and save us the legwork.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legwork
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
When weighing one or the other, assess which option will result in you owing the least amount in taxes, while also assessing the legwork involved in switching over from one status to another.
—Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 6 Feb. 2026
In other words, do as much of the legwork as possible on your own; don’t rely on the agent to do it for you.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Fortunately, some students decided to share them online to give the rest of us a better look and save us the legwork.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legwork
Cite this Entry
“Legwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legwork. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
legwork
noun
leg·work
ˈleg-ˌwərk
: the work involved in gathering information
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
