1. To labor continuously with zealousness or diligence: I've been working away on the problem all night. I worked away at the problem until I solved it. We must work away until we are finished.

2. To remove or eliminate something from something by repeated, continuous, or applied effort: I worked away the rough spots with sandpaper. I worked the metal burrs away with a rasp.

3. To damage, diminish, erode, or consume by long or hard use, attrition, or exposure: Years of exposure to rain and snow finally worked away the paint. You can see where the hinges have worked the wood away.