According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the word “work” has over 26 different meanings. The first ten meanings are:

“Main Entry: work

Pronunciation: ‘w&rk

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English werk, work, from Old English werc, weorc; akin to Old High German werc work, Greek ergon, Avestan var&zem activity

1 : activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something: a : sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result b : the labor, task, or duty that is one’s accustomed means of livelihood c : a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity

2 a : energy expended by natural phenomena b : the result of such energy c : the transference of energy that is produced by the motion of
the point of application of a force and is measured by multiplying the force and the displacement of its point of application in the line of action

3 a : something that results from a particular manner or method of working, operating, or devising b : something that results from the use or fashioning of a particular material

4 a : a fortified structure (as a fort, earthen barricade, or trench) b plural : structures in engineering (as docks, bridges, or embankments) or mining (as shafts or tunnels)

5 plural but singular or plural in construction : a place where industrial labor is carried on : PLANT, FACTORY

6 plural : the working or moving parts of a mechanism

7 a : something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill b : something produced by the exercise of creative talent or expenditure of creative effort : artistic production

8 plural : performance of moral or religious acts

9 a : effective operation : EFFECT, RESULT b : manner of working : WORKMANSHIP, EXECUTION

10 : the material or piece of material that is operated upon at any stage in the process of manufacture

11 plural a : everything possessed, available, or belonging b : subjection to drastic treatment : all possible abuse — usually used with get or give
- at work

1 : engaged in working : BUSY; especially : engaged in one’s regular occupation

2 : having effect : OPERATING, FUNCTIONING

- in the works : in process of preparation, development, or completion

- in work

1 : in process of being done

2 of a horse : in training

- out of work : without regular employment : JOBLESS

synonyms WORK, LABOR,TRAVAIL, TOIL, DRUGERY,GRIND mean activity involving effort or exertion. WORK may imply activity of body, of mind, of a machine, or of a natural force . LABOR applies to physical or intellectual work involving great and often strenuous exertion . TRAVAIL is bookish for labor involving pain or suffering . TOIL implies prolonged and fatiguing labor . DRUDGERY suggests dull and irksome labor . GRIND implies labor exhausting to mind or body .

synonyms WORK, EMPLOYEMENT, OCCUPATION, CALLING, PURSUIT, Métier, BUSINESS mean a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one’s living. WORK may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not . EMPLOYMENT implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer . OCCUPATION implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training . CALLING applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession . PURSUIT suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest . Métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted . BUSINESS suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs .