Word
workings
Phoneticswork·ings, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɝkɪŋz/
UK/wˈɜːkɪŋz/
Definitions
01internal mechanism
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the parts inside a machine or device that make it work.
n. the internal parts or mechanism of a physical device that enable its operation.
“He opened the back of the watch to look at its tiny gold workings.”
“The clockmaker spent hours cleaning the intricate brass workings of the grandfather clock to ensure it kept perfect time.”
02how a system operates
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the way that an organization, a government, or a person's mind actually functions.
n. the internal processes, logic, or operational methods of an abstract system or organization.
“The documentary explains the inner workings of the national government.”
“The investigative journalist spent months researching the inner workings of the corporation to uncover how decisions were actually made.”
Synonyms
03mine or quarry
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Technical
n. the parts of a mine or quarry where people are currently digging or have dug in the past.
n. the specific areas of a mine, quarry, or excavation where extraction is occurring or has occurred.
“The old mine workings were dangerous and blocked off with a fence.”
“Geologists explored the abandoned workings of the silver mine to determine if any valuable minerals remained in the deeper tunnels.”
Usage
Usually refers to the physical structure of the excavation site.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Discover the inner workings of an ancient Greek water clock and the unusual design of the Eiffel Tower elevators.” “He also noted the need to teach how the US government is organized, including the workings of various bodies at the local, state, and national levels.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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