handiwork

Meaning

1. (uncountable, usually) Work done by the hands.
2. (uncountable, usually) A handmade object; a handicraft.
3. (uncountable, usually) Work done personally.
4. (uncountable, usually) The result of personal efforts.

Synonyms

handicraft

handwork

handcraft

craft

embroidery

handicrafts

doing

homemade

needlecraft

performance

sampler

daywork

handicrafted good

Translations

handwerk

lavoro a mano

lavoro manuale

Handarbeit

opera

εργόχειρο

main-d’œuvre

ouvrage

χειροτέχνημα

trabalho manual

trabajo manual

iş

travail manuel

produit

Werk

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhændiˌwɜːk/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: hondywerk

Inherited from Old English: handġeweorc

Cognate with Saterland Frisian: Hondwierk

Cognate with Dutch: handwerk

Cognate with German: Handwerk

In summary

From Middle English hondywerk, handiwerc, from Old English handġeweorc (“work done by hand, creation”), from hand (“hand”) + ġeweorc (“work”). Equivalent to hand + work, though it may now reinterpreted as handy (“skilful”) + work. Compare Saterland Frisian Hondwierk, Dutch handwerk, German Handwerk.