English Reference
noun

artwork

n.
US /ˈɑɹtˌwɝk/ UK /ˈɑːtwɜːk/ art·work UK spelling artworks

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a painting, drawing, sculpture, or other creative object made by an artist.

    a specific, individual piece of creative visual art, such as a painting or sculpture. Countable in this sense.

    Simple

    The museum has a beautiful collection of modern artwork from local painters.

    In context

    The gallery curator spent months sourcing original artwork from private collectors to ensure the retrospective was truly representative of the artist's career.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the general work or activity of making art.

    the collective output of an artist or the general process of artistic creation. Uncountable in this sense.

    Simple

    She has dedicated her whole life to her artwork and teaching others.

    In context

    Critics praised the sheer volume of artwork produced during his final years, noting a shift toward more experimental techniques.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the pictures, photos, or designs used in a book, magazine, or website.

    the illustrative or graphical components prepared for reproduction in print or digital media. Uncountable in this sense.

    Simple

    The designer is still waiting for the final artwork for the book cover.

    In context

    The publishing house requested high-resolution artwork to ensure the complex diagrams remained legible after the final printing process.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of graphic design, advertising, and publishing.

Eighty artworks by eight artists are buried underneath tonnes of dirt inside Carriageworks.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

In the finished painting, the Weismans stand in the garden of their Los Angeles home, where artworks from their collection are on display.

Smithsonian Magazine· 17 Jun 2026

From art + -work.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated