the works

noun
UK: /ðə wɜːks/
US: /ðə wɝːks/

  1. Everything available or possible; all the options.

    1. I ordered the burger with the works, including bacon and cheese.
    2. My new car came with the works: heated seats, GPS, and a sunroof - the whole package.

  2. A complete and thorough job; the maximum effort or treatment.

    1. Give it the works; clean it until it shines.
    2. After a bad injury, I needed the works from the doctor to fully recover and get back to sports.

  3. A painful or difficult experience.

    1. This job is the works, nothing but pressure.
    2. Dealing with this bureaucracy has been the works; it is frustrating.

Synonyms

everything the whole shebang
the works transitive-verb

  1. To treat someone or something very well, providing everything they need or want.

    1. We gave the guest room the works to make sure it was extra cozy.
    2. I'm giving my car the works with a full service to keep it running smoothly and safely.
the works adjective

  1. Including everything; complete.

    1. I want a pizza with the works.
    2. He designed a computer with the works - top processors and max memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "the works" in English means: Everything available or possible; all the options., A complete and thorough job; the maximum effort or treatment., A painful or difficult experience..

The phonetic transcription of "the works" is /ðə wɜːks/ in British English and /ðə wɝːks/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "the works": everything, the whole shebang.

Example usage of "the works": "I ordered the burger with the works, including bacon and cheese.". More examples on the page.