What does workgroup mean?
A workgroup is a group of people organized to perform related work together. It may be a standing unit within a business, school, government office, or other organization, or a temporary team assembled around a particular project. The word emphasizes shared activity and a defined working relationship rather than simply a collection of people with similar interests. Workgroups commonly have members, leaders, tasks, discussions, and outcomes, and they may communicate internally or coordinate with other groups. In computing, a workgroup has the additional meaning of a group of computers connected on a local network so that they can share resources such as files and printers. The term is formal but widely understood. It is most useful when describing a team that has a clear purpose and some degree of structure, while “working group” may be preferred in British usage for a temporary advisory or problem-solving body.
nounA group of people who work together, especially as a unit within an organization or on a particular project. In computing, the term can also refer to a set of computers connected in a local network that share resources.
- A group of people who work together on a defined task or within an organization.
- In computing, a set of computers connected in a local network and able to share resources such as files, printers, or data.
"The workgroup will meet every Friday to coordinate the project."
"Each regional workgroup submitted a brief summary of its findings."
"The old printer was made available to the whole workgroup through the office network."
The standard plural is “workgroups.”
"Several workgroups are studying different aspects of the problem."
A workgroup is a small engine of collective action: a team organized around shared work, whether around a table or across a local network.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of workgroup
“Workgroup” is a modern English compound formed by combining “work” with “group.” “Work” comes from Germanic roots related to occupation or activity, while “group” was borrowed into English through French and has deeper Latin associations with a cluster or collection. The compound became especially useful in organizational and technological usage as people began describing coordinated teams and local groups of networked computers.
How workgroup is actually used
“Workgroup” is especially common in organizational, managerial, and technical writing. In British English, “working group” is often used for a temporary committee or advisory team, while “workgroup” may suggest a more integrated unit.
Easily confused with workgroup
Both terms can mean a group of people working together, but “working group” is often preferred for a temporary or advisory group, whereas “workgroup” is especially common in organizational and technical contexts.