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roadwork

C2

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rˈəʊdwɜːk/

US

  • /ˈroʊdˌwɜrk/

Description

"Roadwork" is not just about orange cones and annoyed drivers. It means construction, maintenance, or repair work being done on a road or street. You usually notice it when you are traveling: a lane may be closed, traffic may slow down, or cars may have to follow a detour. It can be something small, like fixing a rough spot, or something big, like rebuilding part of a highway. The word often brings to mind warning signs, loud machines, and the hope of a smoother trip later. In sports, especially boxing, it can also mean the running athletes do to build stamina.

Examples

  1. 1

    Traffic delay

    We were late because of roadwork on the highway.

  2. 2

    City repairs

    The city hopes to finish the roadwork before summer starts.

  3. 3

    Boxing training

    The coach has the fighters doing roadwork at dawn every day.

    • Domain

      in sports training, especially boxing, do roadwork

      run outdoors as part of training

See also

nounconstruction, repair, or maintenance work done on a road

Similar

  • road construction
  • road repairs
  • road maintenance

Shades of meaning

Contrast

  • open road
  • normal traffic flow

Used with (collocations)

  • roadwork ahead
  • roadwork delays
  • major roadwork
  • scheduled roadwork

Word family

  • roadworks

Explore

  • traffic control
  • work zone

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • roadwork