workshop
WURK-shop
/ˈwɜːk.ʃɒp/
A meeting at which a group of people engage in intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject or project.
Unlike a lecture, a workshop is hands-on and participatory. You don't just listen; you 'work'.
The story behind the word. Originally, a workshop was literally a room or building where goods were manufactured. In the 20th century, the meaning expanded to include educational meetings where 'intellectual goods' are produced.
Word relationships
- seminar: A seminar is often more academic and discussion-based, while a workshop is more practical and task-based.
Commonly confused with
- conference: A conference is a large gathering for presentations; a workshop is a small gathering for doing work.
Collocations
- interactive workshop
- conduct a workshop
- workshop series
Example sentences
- "We are holding a creative writing workshop this Friday to help the marketing team with their copy." Office email.
- "The artist's workshop was filled with apprentices learning the master's technique." Historical context.
Memory hook
It's a 'shop' where you 'work' on your skills. Hands-on learning.
When not to use
Don't use it for a long, multi-month course; a workshop is typically a few hours to a few days.
Fun facts
- The 'Santa's Workshop' concept popularized the idea of a workshop as a place of magical productivity.
Related words
Explore more words
collaborate, engagement, atelier, constructivism, facilitate, brainstorm
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