legwork

noun

leg·​work ˈleg-ˌwərk How to pronounce legwork (audio)
 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
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.
Brooks and Barela curate experiential boxes filled with marijuana products and other lifestyle items to take the legwork out of shopping and introduce new brands to local consumers. Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2025 Choose to do the legwork yourself to avoid additional costs or setbacks. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 Amazon even scored some early exclusives and gave away a plethora of premium content and Coins to anyone willing to do the legwork of installing the storefront on their Android phone. Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 20 Feb. 2025 The Nakasendō at its full extent stretched 330 miles and would have taken the average traveler two or three weeks of intense legwork; our three days of walking would be easier, and much more luxurious, with our bags transported separately by car. Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legwork

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legwork was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legwork. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

legwork

noun
leg·​work ˈleg-ˌwərk How to pronounce legwork (audio)
: the work involved in gathering information

More from Merriam-Webster on legwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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