lifework
noun
life·work
ˈlīf-ˈwərk 
: the entire or principal work of one's lifetime
also
: a work extending over a lifetime
Examples of lifework in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spreading that message is Bigtree’s lifework.
—
Tom Bartlett,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2026
Four years after Farmer’s death, Clinton reflects on preserving her mentor’s lifework in health care and remembers his tender tenacity.
—
Chelsea Clinton,
Vanity Fair,
24 Feb. 2026
How an accident led to a career Pruitt came to his lifework literally by accident.
—
Debra Utacia Krol,
The Arizona Republic,
20 Nov. 2024
From a restricted viewing area not far away, Louise Prockter, a graceful scientist with sandy hair, glanced at a countdown clock and then back at the rocket, which carried her lifework.
—
David W. Brown,
The New Yorker,
15 Oct. 2024
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Tom Bartlett,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2026
Four years after Farmer’s death, Clinton reflects on preserving her mentor’s lifework in health care and remembers his tender tenacity.
—
Chelsea Clinton,
Vanity Fair,
24 Feb. 2026
How an accident led to a career Pruitt came to his lifework literally by accident.
—
Debra Utacia Krol,
The Arizona Republic,
20 Nov. 2024
From a restricted viewing area not far away, Louise Prockter, a graceful scientist with sandy hair, glanced at a countdown clock and then back at the rocket, which carried her lifework.
—
David W. Brown,
The New Yorker,
15 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Lifework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifework. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lifework
noun
life·work
-ˈwərk
: the entire or chief work of one's lifetime
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