What does blockwork mean?
Blockwork is construction or masonry made by fitting building blocks together, usually in courses and often with mortar, to form walls, foundations, partitions, or other structures. The term is especially common in British construction and is also used in US technical contexts, although “masonry,” “brickwork,” or “stonework” may be more usual there depending on the material. Blockwork can refer both to the method and, as an uncountable noun, to the completed wall or structure. Its use is professional and practical rather than literary: it identifies construction by the building unit involved, including concrete blocks, masonry blocks, or dressed stone blocks. The word is useful because it narrows the broader category of masonry without implying one particular material, while providing a clear label in specifications, surveying, building reports, and descriptions of structures.
nounConstruction or masonry work made by assembling blocks into walls or other structures, usually in courses and often bonded with mortar.
- Construction or masonry work in which blocks are assembled to form walls, foundations, partitions, or other structures.
"The foundation was built in reinforced concrete blockwork."
"The retaining wall combines concrete blockwork with a brick facing."
"Inspectors found cracking in the blockwork beneath the first-floor windows."
Normally uncountable; a regular plural is not generally needed or used.
"The engineers inspected the blockwork throughout the building."
The word is delightfully literal: if a wall is built from blocks, you are looking at blockwork.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does blockwork come from?
Blockwork is an English compound formed from block and work. The word block descends from Old English and originally referred to a solid mass, a sense that was later extended to discrete building units such as masonry blocks. In blockwork, the literal sense specifies work assembled from these units. Related English formations include blockage, blockade, and blocker, all based on the same lexical root.
How blockwork is actually used
This is principally a British construction and civil-engineering term. It is also used in US technical contexts, although masonry, brickwork, or stonework may be preferred when the material is known. The noun is normally uncountable.
Easily confused with blockwork
Blockwork is construction using blocks of any specified material, whereas brickwork specifically uses bricks.