It was hypothesized that work motivation is, under certain conditions, a function of the meaning of work. Work motivation was measured by peer ratings, using a series of behaviorally anchored rating scales, and the meaning of work was measured by a set of semantic differential scales; the sample consisted of newly graduated engineers. Some support, although slight, is obtained for the hypothesis in general. The relationship is most likely to apply to a specific sort of employee: one who is task-oriented and low in general activity level. A secondary conclusion is that meaning of work, as measured by the semantic differential scales, is closely related to the more general concept of job satisfaction, although it predicts peer ratings of motivation better than does job satisfaction, as measured by the Job Descriptive Index.