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.
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 Forget the hassle, and let someone else take the legwork out of keeping you stocked with high-quality socks. Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025 Utilities surged in 2024 as investors sought a way to play the burgeoning artificial intelligence trend, but attractive opportunities still exist for those willing to do the legwork, according to Morningstar energy and utilities strategist Travis Miller. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 7 Jan. 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 12 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!