Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

blackwork

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.38 in modern English

Syllables: black-work
IPA

24

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A form of counted-thread embroidery that is usually stitched on even-weave fabric with a twisted thread.

Uncountable

noun

Work connected with funerals, as an undertaker's assistant or a maker of mourning clothes, etc.

Obsolete; Uncountable

noun

A style of tattoo with areas of solid black ink.

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"All those garments are long gone since, that Katherine embroidered with Spanish blackwork."
"In Mary Barton (1848), the seamstress sewing black mourning clothes is referred to as being engaged in 'blackwork', while the manufacturing company, the Courtaulds, held a monopoly on crapes from the onset of funeral practices […]"

Etymology

From black + work.

Usage

Frequently Paired Words

redwork scarletwork

Questions

What does blackwork mean?: A form of counted-thread embroidery that is usually stitched on even-weave fabric with a twisted thread.
Where does blackwork come from?: From black + work.

How to pronounce blackwork

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “blackwork”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “blackwork” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.