# workshop

/ˈwɝkˌʃɑp/ (US) · /wˈɜːkʃɒp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/workshop
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a place for making things

noun · CEFR B1

a room or building where people use tools and machines to make or fix things.

For teachers: a physical space, typically smaller than a factory, dedicated to manual manufacturing, repair, or craft work.

- He spends every Saturday in his workshop building wooden furniture for his friends.
- The artisan's workshop was cluttered with specialized tools and raw materials, reflecting decades of dedicated practice in leatherworking.

### 2. an educational meeting

noun · CEFR B1

a meeting where a small group of people learns about a subject by doing practical activities.

For teachers: a brief, intensive educational session emphasizing interaction, collaboration, and practical problem-solving among a small group.

- I attended a photography workshop to learn how to use my new camera properly.
- The management team organized a two-day workshop to address communication barriers and develop a more cohesive strategy for the upcoming quarter.

### 3. to develop an idea

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to work on an idea or a piece of writing with a group to make it better.

For teachers: to develop or refine a creative work or concept through collaborative discussion and iterative testing.

- The writers decided to workshop the script with actors before filming started.
- The playwright spent several months workshopping the new production at a local theatre to identify pacing issues before the official premiere.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a play, a script, or a proposal.

## Examples

- I am attending a photography workshop this weekend.
- The management team organized a two-day workshop to help employees improve their public speaking skills.
- While the creative writing workshop focused on character development, the physical workshop downstairs was busy producing the hand-carved furniture for the upcoming exhibition.

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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.