The word "工棚" is formed by combining the character "工" (gōng), meaning "work" or "labor", with the character "棚" (péng), meaning "shed" or "shack". Together, they create a compound word where "工" specifies the purpose related to work or workers, and "棚" denotes the type of structure, resulting in the meaning "work shed" or "workers' barracks", typically referring to a temporary shelter for laborers on a site.