English Explanatory Dictionary

handiwork

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Work done by the hands.
  2. A handmade object; a handicraft.
  3. Work done personally.
  4. The result of personal efforts.

Pronunciation

/ˈhændiˌwɜːk/ /ˈhændiˌwɝk/ en-us-handiwork.ogg

Word forms

handiwork handiworks handywork

Etymology

From Middle English hondywerk, handiwerc, from Old English handġeweorc (“work done by hand, creation”), from hand (“hand”) + ġeweorc (“work”). Equivalent to hand + work, though it may now be reinterpreted as handy (“skilful”) + work. Compare Saterland Frisian Hondwierk, Dutch handwerk, German Handwerk.

Synonyms

handwork
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