# workings

/ˈwɝkɪŋz/ (US) · /wˈɜːkɪŋz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/workings
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. internal mechanism

noun · CEFR B2

the parts inside a machine or device that make it work.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. how a system operates

noun · CEFR B2

the way that an organization, a government, or a person's mind actually functions.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. mine or quarry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the parts of a mine or quarry where people are currently digging or have dug in the past.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The clock's workings are visible through the glass back.
- The documentary explains the inner workings of the stock market and how prices change so quickly.
- Understanding the intricate workings of the human brain remains one of the most significant challenges for modern neuroscience, requiring collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.