Dictionary

spadework

noun spade·work \-ˌwərk\

: difficult work that is done especially to prepare for something

Full Definition of SPADEWORK

1
:  work done with a spade
2
:  the hard plain preliminary drudgery in an undertaking
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of SPADEWORK

1778

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: spadgerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: spade moneyAll Words Near: spadework
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears